Western Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong is unfortunately no stranger to the rehab group.

With half the playing squad up in Perth as they prepare to face the Eagles on Sunday, Jong is spending his week at Whitten Oval among a number of fellow rehabbers.

The 28-year-old returned to action earlier this year, featuring in VFL practice matches and the season-opener, before being selected for his first AFL game in nearly 300 days.

But his comeback was cut short, overstretching his hamstring in the first quarter of the Round 6 win over GWS and requiring surgery to repair the tendon.

“It was obviously a really shattering start – I was really enjoying playing early days at the start (of the year),” Jong told westernbulldogs.com.au this week.

“Missing out on nearly the whole of last year, this stint has been a bit tough, but I’m up and running again for the past couple of weeks which has been really good for the soul. 

“The hamstring is going okay – once I started running again, it went hand in hand with how you go mentally as well. Now that I’m moving, I’m starting to see a bit more light at the end of the tunnel.”

Now within a month of returning and being available for selection, Jong said he’s not putting any pressure on himself or his hamstring.

“For me I’m treating the return date a little bit different – I’m sort of taking it as it comes with the hamstring and seeing how it feels, having done it a few times now,” he said.

“Obviously I’m keen to come back and play, but whether that’s Round 18 or Round 20, I’d love to just get back out there at least before the season ends.”