While some dread training in the summer heat, the 19 year-old was excited just to get on the track and join his teammates for a brief skills session after so long on the sidelines.
"It was good to finally be out there again. For six months I haven't trained with the whole squad. Even though it was only a small technical skills session it was terrific to be out there," Black told kangaroos.com.au
"I copped a bit from a few of the boys. A couple of them came up and introduced themselves again."
Black had a frustrating season playing just three games in the VFL before succumbing to a groin injury, but is slowly working back to full fitness.
"Right now my body feels really good. I wouldn't say 100%, but close to it.
"My skills were a little bit rusty but I've just got to start getting the hang of it. It was just good to come off the track and not be sore. That's the first time I haven't been sore after a session for a very long time.
Confident he can be ready for round one, Black is also wary of going too hard too early and says he won't be taking unnecessary risks as he aims for a return.
"I probably won't be back to full training with the main group on the main sessions until around the beginning of February, late January at best."
But one thing's for sure, Black will be hitting the ball full-throttle when he does make that much awaited return.
