GEELONG defender Harry Taylor says he counts himself lucky to have got through much of his career largely unscathed when it comes to injuries.

The 32-year-old defender told the Geelong Advertiser that life on the sidelines has been a new experience.

“It is something a bit different. But you’ve got to keep things in perspective,” he said

 “I’m not used to missing games of footy. In 10 years of footy I haven’t missed many games, or many training sessions,” Taylor said.

Taylor understands that few footballers avoid serious injury for as long as he has.

“To have only missed this many games so far is insignificant to some of the injuries we see some players get. To have Aaron Black go down and potentially miss a big chunk of footy, and Esava Ratugolea, you’ve got to put it in perspective very quickly.

“I’m very lucky that I’ve only got a bit of a sore foot and can be out there pretty soon.”

Taylor is still without a return date, with coach Chris Scott saying the experienced defender is most likely to return after the bye.

 “I’ve got to get through a few more sessions and then it’s up to the coaches to see what the plan is from there,” Taylor said.

“(Our coaches and fitness staff) will map out what I’ve done from a fitness point of view, the kilometres,” Taylor said.

“Every time you go on the training track you wear a GPS. Every metre is measured and the speed you run, the change of speed, change of direction is calculated and measured.

“They will work through that to see if I’ve done enough to be able to play and at what level. Again the coaches will make that decision.”