Tasmania's sole representative at this week's AFLW draft combine, Launceston's Mia King is ticking her recovery boxes ahead of October 22.
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Poised to be selected in the AFLW draft, the 18-year-old has had her back-half of the season hampered by an MCL strain, with completing a full pre-season firmly on her radar.
"I've had my medical [on Tuesday] and the knee's been progressing well but it's not ready to go out and do like a 2km time trial for example," King said.
"So now I think it's more like getting ready for pre-season if everything goes well rather than pushing myself here which probably isn't best for my knee.
"I'm just taking it slow and steady."
KING'S QUEST
Sustaining the injury nine weeks ago in the fourth quarter of Eastern Allies' final national championships game against Victoria Metro, where King was named MVP, the flashy midfielder has been in and out of the physio's office preparing for next season.
Nominated for North Melbourne as a Tasmanian player, King's draft credentials have been largely spoken about for a long period as she looks to join Launceston teammates Daria Bannister and Chloe and Libby Haines at the Kangaroos.
"Talent has grown so much in Tasmania. This year was the first year of the NAB League and I think having more practice, more games, more strength and conditioning.
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"Last year we were training with the AFLW girls and I just think playing in that elite environment is improving the talent in Tasmania."
"It's exciting to see where it will all go."
With the expectation of getting drafted and pumping out strong performances constantly there for the Sctotch Oakburn student, she often takes a moment to reflect on her humble beginnings.
Taking up the game following a P.E. teacher's recommendation in 2016, King played for school-affiliated side East Launceston before transitioning through the ranks to the be on the cusp of the highest level.
"You do feel the pressure around you but you've just got to remember why you play football because sometimes you can get caught up in it - all the media and everything.
"Obviously it can get a bit much sometimes but you've just got to think about why you play it and have fun. I think that's the most important thing."
The AFLW combine continues on Tuesday and sees 48 of Australia's top-flight players converge on Melbourne.
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