Armer was ruled out for the last half of the 2018 season after the 19-year-old tore his anterior crucial ligament and meniscus against Natimuk United.

Armer lead the Swifts' goal-kicking in 2018 before his injury, with 15 majors to his name in his second season of senior football.

Now just beginning his third season, Armer said it felt good to be finally able to run out with the players.

"It's been a long time sitting on the sidelines," he said.

"I've really missed playing. I've learnt some things sitting on the sidelines so it all hasn't been a waste.

"It's really drilled into me about the importance of team work and not to try and take on the game by yourself.

"Watching players how players play and create their own space has helped me a little a little as well."

The centre-half forward said his goal for the season is to earn his position back into the senior team.

"I played my first game in reserves and felt I went ok," he said.

READ MORE: Swifts look to bounce back from the wet

"I'm just focusing on getting back into it and get back involved in the game and see where the season takes me.

"I played on the wing for a bit last game which was good to have a bit of a run."

The timing for Armer's return to the game came on one of the wettest days of football in the region.

"It was a horrible day for it," he said.

"It was nerve wracking to start with but once I was out there and got into the game I completely forgot about it and felt absolutely fine.

"You have the voice in the back of your head questioning, should I go for it, should I not, but I just have to trust my knee and get it out of my mind."

Armer said he would never forget the moment when the injury occurred.

"I remember jumping for the mark and feeling it pop. I knew straight away it was something serious," he said.

"During rehab I did some gym work and then started running and changing directions.

"Now, I'm just concentrating on getting my fitness back on track."

Noticeable for wearing a long sleeve top, Armer said it's something that's become part of his game.

"I'm not really sure why I like it," he said.

"I don't really like playing in a short sleeve because I'm so used to playing in a long sleeve now.

"The cold doesn't really come into it, even on warm days I still wear it."

As most Stawell footballers do, Armer began his football journey in the under-13 competition.

"I played for the Magpies and go for Collingwood so I was pretty excited as a young kid when I got my jumper," he said.

"I played all my junior football at the Warriors and came across to Swifts to start my senior football career in 2017.

"My Mum is a life member at the Swifts and Dad played all his football here so it felt right to move across."

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