Gilbert recognizes the return of the Dolphins, giving Cotter credit.

As he looks to make a round one comeback from an ACL tear, Dolphins enforcer Tom Gilbert is taking a cue from teammate Reuben Cotter.

Cotter, Gilbert’s former teammate from North Queensland and Queensland, is renowned for having battled back from back-to-back ACL injuries to become one of the game’s top forwards.

The 24-year-old Gilbert had a season-ending knee injury during a trial in February, but surgery was delayed until May due to complications from a blood clot.

Gilbert’s recovery regimen is customized. Although he still has a lot of work to do to be ready for the match against South Sydney on March 7, Gilbert views his experience as one that strengthened him rather than killed him.

“It obviously hasn’t been easy and I’ve had my moments, but I think the one thing that’s come out of this is a lot of gratitude and perspective about things as well,” Gilbert stated. “I am really thankful to be doing what I love most every time I get to step onto the field.