IT WASN'T until the start of July last year that Sam Fisher started to contemplate his AFL career might fall painstakingly short of reaching its 200-game milestone.

He'd been toiling away for two injury-hit seasons, was approaching the end of a year where he was out of contract, and knew the only thing that would prolong his career was if he could show his body was over its problems.

Doubt was starting to seep in as the winter months progressed after the two-time best and fairest had remained stoic throughout persistent toe and hamstring issues.

"I was always pretty confident I could get there but then late last year I'd been out of the game for over a year and time was running out," Fisher told AFL.com.au this week.

"I knew if I didn't play any games towards the end of last season I was probably going to struggle to get a contract for this season.

"I thought, 'Shit, I've just got to get out there or it's going to be too late'."

His degenerative left big toe had been fused in a second operation in the middle of 2013 and wasn't a problem anymore.

But the favouritism he'd shown that side of his body throughout the years of managing the troublesome joint meant his leg had "faded away" and left his hamstring vulnerable.

Persistent tears meant he didn't play seniors until well into the second half of last season after he got close to a return early on, only to break down in the VFL.

"[The leg] caused complications with the hamstring and that's when I started to think a bit more negatively about things," he said.

"It was such a frustrating time.

"The support I had was really good. The club never put any real pressure on me to get back, but they always thought I could and play some decent footy, and that really helped.

"Once I'd fixed my problems and I got one game under I belt I knew that I was over the issues and I'd be able to extend my career this year and hopefully beyond."

Fisher showed enough in the games he played from round 17 onwards to warrant a one-year deal, and the chance to reach his 200th game milestone.

This Saturday night, he'll celebrate his big game away from home at Metricon Stadium against Gold Coast; something he doesn't mind because he's always believed interstate victories are extra special.

The veteran backman is sure to finish his career a one-club player, whenever that day comes.

There was some interest from Greater Western Sydney two years ago but for Fisher, it was never about leaving the Saints.

Sam Fisher leaves the field after his 199th game against the Giants last week. Picture: AFL Media
There's been no ambition to play elsewhere, and he's shown that with a willingness to sign his contract extensions well before they're required.

And, if there's a silver lining from his run of injuries over the past two seasons, it's left him feeling like he can go on beyond this year despite being – at 32 – the Saints' oldest player.

"By being out for more than a year you have the frustration of the injury but the week in week out stress of games and performance, I haven't had that," he said.

"I'm feeling really good, mentally fresh. I felt good on the weekend, and I guess that's down to having a good pre-season and having completed everything.

"It doesn't guarantee you a good season but it certainly gives you the best opportunity to have a good year.

"I pulled up really well and that gives me great confidence I can get through this year really well and hopefully extend my career beyond it."

Still, he's thought about what comes next if he doesn't fulfil a tongue-in-cheek goal to emulate Dustin Fletcher's remarkable career and push for 400 games.

The talent he showed as a young golfer, where he represented his state as a junior, has left him hungry to investigate if he can move into a professional career.

He's also involved in a Chapel Street restaurant called Susie Wong, and has just started work experience with Brad Fisher at the AFLPA in the alumni program.

A part-time specialist coaching role – like Danny Frawley holds with the Saints – is another option, given how much Fisher is enjoying working with new recruit Hugh Goddard.

But for now, the South Australian is just happy footy is fun again after a bleak two years.

"I'm just loving footy at the moment. I'm loving where the group's at, not where we're at in terms of win-loss but in terms of the young guys we've got into the club and the excitement of that group," he said.

"I can see where we're heading, which is a good place.

"It feels like the momentum has shifted at the club and there's a lot of positivity around it.

"Alan's been great, I'm loving working under Spud … it's just all good."