The 26-year-old has battled knee and quad injuries, as well as a broken foot, since arriving at Windsor Park in 2005, although he did spend 2011-12 away from the club.

In his first year back at the Blues in 2013 he was an assistant coach to Brennan Savage while recovering from that broken foot.

``It has been a long time coming considering all my injuries over the years and it has been a bit of struggle, but it is good to finally get there,'' the midfielder said.

``Stepping away from coaching this year and just playing, it has enabled me to refind my passion for footy.''

That passion he mentions has well and truly been reignited with Downie coming off what he labels his best game at the State League level against the Tigers last week.

He was one of the Blues' best, laying 15 tackles and collecting 28 disposals in the 65-point win.

``I pride myself on my physicality in my football, as I'm not the most polished player skill-wise, but my role and the way I like playing football is that in-and-under tough stuff and just giving it to the blokes that have the polished skills.

``Last week was a game I proved to myself that I can do it at the level and it was good to hit some form after a slow start to the year.

``That game is where I aim to be [each week] and if last week is my worst game for the year here, I'll be very happy.''

Coach Scott Stephens said Downie was an important figure both on field and off it, who goes ``over and above the call of duty'' as a player.