EXCITING draft prospect Aiden Bonar feared he would never return to football after undergoing two knee reconstructions since 2015.  

The 18-year-old showed his extreme athleticism at the NAB AFL Draft Combine on Thursday after equalling Jordan Gallucci's all-time record of 89cm in the standing vertical jump test.

Bonar was also a standout in the 20-metre sprint and agility test, but his recent injury history threatens to cloud his future potential.      

"At the start of the season last year I was always worrying if I would get back (to football)," Bonar said.

"But (I) always kept strong with the idea that I would hopefully make AFL one day.

"I'm here today and I'm pretty proud of myself for getting here."

The Dandenong Stingrays product has primarily played in attack but can also use his power and explosiveness to enter into the midfield. 

He had his first knee reconstruction in 2015 and after a lengthy rehabilitation returned last year, only to tear another anterior crucial ligament.

Despite the major setbacks, Bonar has continued to work on his recovery and says he has pushed a good case towards the NAB AFL Draft.

"I've built a lot of confidence from this combine and throughout the year," Bonar said.

"It’s taken a lot of effort, four PT sessions a week, three months of gymnastics, waking up every morning at 6:00am.  

"I’m really thankful for the effort my parents have put in and my manager and all of the people around that have helped me."