The first step Chris Mayne took towards regaining his footballing footing was to stop himself from being exposed to the negative commentary surrounding his performance at the Magpies in 2017.
Having being sent back to the VFL just three games into a four-year deal, he became a lightning rod for fierce, and sometimes vicious, criticism.
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September headlines about the length of his contract and his concerned dad Steve's emotional criticism of Nathan Buckley on social media topped off a nightmare season for the former Docker.
Mayne's fiancee Britt decided the best course of action was to delete her partner's social media accounts and the AFL app, making sure her partner, a self-confessed footyhead, ignored the newspapers too.
That simple action helped the 29-year-old regain control over his sense of self and ensured the loudest voices he heard in the back half of last year were the ones he knew best and trusted most.
With Britt's support he then began to work on salvaging his AFL career and his reputation among Collingwood supporters.
"We didn't go away anywhere on holiday," Mayne said.
Chris Mayne has been extremely determined in his work rate at Collingwood.
"[We] stayed here and worked with a running coach and worked at a gym close by with two people I had built a relationship with and trusted.
"I then did everything with Britt, [taking the] dogs and footies down to the park, kicking, running and working hard."
Both continued on a vegan diet as Mayne resolved to do everything he could to return to AFL football, working on improving his speed, strength and resilience, refusing to yield to those who thought he was done.
Now Mayne's only emotion is gratitude as he reflects on the change that has occurred in the past 12 months and the support he received from family, friends and the club to turn things around.
He has played 18 games in 2018 and was critical after quarter-time in keeping West Coast's intercept defender Jeremy McGovern occupied in the qualifying final.
It was a job he relished.
"When I get opportunities like that to keep building trust within the team I take them head on and try to do whatever I can," Mayne said.
His tackling prowess hasn't deserted him, he positions himself well and makes good decisions and although his touch can improve at times, his intent can never be question.
Although proud, he overcame adversity to return to the team and he has no inclination to rest on his laurels, with his goal remaining a premiership.
"I just want to find another avenue to be in the team," Mayne said.
"We keep trying to fight for that seat on the bus and being a part of that team."
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