Alex Pearce is using the experience and knowledge of housemate Nat Fyfe as an ‘invaluable’ tool in his recovery process from a broken leg.

Both Pearce and Fyfe suffered broken legs in 2016, with Pearce returning to training on Monday after 18 months on the sidelines. 

Fyfe made his return from a broken leg in round one of the 2017 season, with the Fremantle captain continually improving throughout the year with an impressive finish to the year.

Pearce was further set back ahead of the 2017 season with a fracture in the same location and was eventually ruled out for the year.

“I live with Nat at the moment so he’s always there for a shoulder to lean on,” Pearce said.

“It's invaluable really, to have someone like him who has been through it before.

“I’ve had lots of close mates within the club who are really supportive and teammates past and present as well and coaching staff and the whole club have been really good for me.

Pearce says he can go into the next stage of the recovery process knowing what to expect after seeing Fyfe’s return first hand.

“When I dream of coming back, it’s coming back stronger and bigger than ever, but I know it’s not that easy,” Pearce said.

“It’s going to be tough and Nathan’s had his challenges in his return to footy as well, so I know it’s going to be hard work and that’s what I’ve been preparing myself for this pre-season.

“It’s going to be really tough and when I do get back playing it’s going to be tough as well. I know I’m not going to be able to walk in and get back to the footy I was playing before (straight away), it’s going to take a bit and that’s what I’m prepared to do.” 

A year on from his trip to the United States with Fyfe in 2016, Pearce returned to the US with teammates Tommy Sheridan and Matt Taberner, with the trio staying on top of their fitness while on holiday.

“It was a good experience. We had four weeks over there just travelling around the States and seeing a bit of sport here and there and training as we went along,” Pearce said.

“It was good to get away mentally refreshed and to come back and get stuck into it now.”