David Ellard’s no medico, but the popular Carlton forward reckons the calf has trumped the hamstring strain for League football’s most prevalent ailment.

And Ellard ought to know; the injury having restricted the former Swan Districts player to just 11 senior appearances over the past two seasons.

“There’s an increase, over the whole AFL, of calf injuries this year,” Ellard said, in a break between training sessions at Visy Park this week.

“I’m not quite sure why, but perhaps it has something to do with the intensity of the game and the workload each week.”

But hopefully the worst is over for Ellard, who successfully completed his comeback for the Northern Blues against Collingwood at Preston City Oval last weekend, and is desperate to earn a senior recall, hopefully come Saturday night at the SCG.

Though he’s not a goalsetter by his own admission, Ellard’s taken stock since the most recent injury setback. To be sure he’s regained much confidence having got through the Collingwood contest and he’s now pushing on “whether it’s in Sydney or here”.

And as he said: “Now it just gets back to playing consistent footy”.

Used predominantly as a defensive high forward, Ellard has relished the precious opportunities afforded him by the Carlton senior coach.

“Mick has given me great opportunity this year,” Ellard said. “He’s put a lot of faith in me and I’m trying to repay it.

“It’s also important that the footy club finishes strongly and takes something away from what’s been a pretty tough year.”

Taken with selection 34 at the 2008 rookie draft, and again at 99 in the corresponding draft of 2010, Ellard, just two games adrift of his 50^th game for Carlton, has plenty to play for . . . body willing.