Jarman Impey barely knew what an injury was.

Taken by Port Adelaide at Pick 21 in the 2013 national draft, Impey would go on to play 75 of a possible 92 games in his first four seasons at Alberton. 

He took little time to adjust to the rigours of senior football and his body never let him down in that first chapter of his career.

A move back to his home state of Victoria in the 2017 trade period and a new life in the brown and gold did not change his fortunes.

He played 41 of a possible 41 games for the Hawks leading up to Round 18 2019.

As Impey lay on the MCG carpet that day desperately clutching at his knee, it was made all the more heartbreaking by the fact that the dashing defender was amidst the best season of his career. 

The Peter Crimmins Medal best and fairest count a few months later would prove testament to that - he was leading the votes ahead of that fated day at the MCG.

The Six Shining Lights of Hawthorn: The campaigns of these six players so far might make you feel better about things 

Disaster had struck and it was then that a recently turned 24-year-old Impey would come to understand the true challenges of being an AFL footballer.

It couldn't have been a steeper learning curve - an ACL rupture regarded as the greatest nightmare to an AFL footballer. 

But, in a reflection of the character of the man, a beloved member of the Hawks playing group, Impey remained positive throughout. 

05:39

Passing Impey in the corridors of Hawthorn, you'd always be greeted by his infectious smile regardless of the challenges he might have been facing that day.

Every step of the way: his first run, his first squat, his first contact drill, his first match simulation, his first scrimmage, his first touch in that scrimmage - they have all been welcomed with raucous applause by his teammates.

On Friday night, Impey will make his return to AFL football in front of the biggest crowd of Hawthorn's season to date.

When he runs out to their applause, he will know the greatest challenge of his football career to date is finally over.

Welcome back, Jars.