It seemed that his AFL career would involve nothing more than surgery, rehabilitation and frustration.
Last Saturday, two days shy of his 22nd birthday, the Port Adelaide defender finally saw some reward for his persistence.
No-one at the Power was happier as they thumped Melbourne by 79 points at the MCG.
It was Heath's first win after five years in the AFL system and Port's last goal of the match was also the first of his career.
"It was amazing. I've been delisted, a couple of knee 'recos', it's been a bit of a rollercoaster career so far," he said.
"It's great to be back playing in such a great club with all these guys.
"Hopefully there are a few more wins to come."
Originally from Maffra in eastern Victoria, Heath went to the Sydney Swans in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.
He made his senior debut in 2010, playing two games, but then came two knee reconstructions.
When he suffered another knee injury late in the 2011 season, the initial prognosis was bad.
"When I was told I'd done my knee for the third time, I was pretty close to throwing it in," he said.
"But the scans came back and it was all positive and I had a glimmer of hope."
Rather than another anterior cruciate ligament rupture, this time Heath had done less serious damage.
The Swans delisted him, but kept him on as a rookie and Heath decided to give his career one more shot.
While he could not break into the Swans' senior line-up, he enjoyed a strong season in the NEAFL and was traded to Port.
"I thought 'I'm only young, I will give it one last crack. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work - I won't die wondering'," he said.
"Luckily I had my best year as a rookie.
"The Swans picked me up again and then I was traded here, which has been really good.
"I just had a bit of faith and it kept me in good stead."
With a big group of family and friends watching last Sunday, Heath was one of Port's best in the win over Melbourne.
"It's a brilliant club, such a good group of blokes," he said of his new team.
"We're expecting big things this year."
Once his time in the AFL ends, Heath ruefully joked he has a ready-made career path.
"I could be a knee surgeon now - I reckon I know all about them," he said.
