Speaking to the AFL.com.au website during the week, the Richmond Tigers number one pick feared he wasn't going to be ready for their Round One win over Carlton after incurring a broken jaw during a match simulation game against West Coast in mid-February.
"I was told to take the surgery and potentially be right for round one, or if I don't, I'd be available in rounds five to six. So it was a pretty clear decision for me.
"It was pretty tough. I couldn't eat for three and a bit weeks post-surgery, until I found out the day before the game that I was allowed to start eating again. I thought I wasn't going to be able to fuel myself for the game, but I figured some things out.
"Early days, it was pretty much a soup diet, yoghurt, a lot of protein shakes. As I could open my mouth a bit more, I had a bit of risotto. I lost a fair bit of muscle mass, but a fair bit of fat as well, so I trimmed down a bit, which wasn't the worst thing."
Debuting in front of dozens of friends and family scattered around the great MCG, Lalor said his pre-game nerves had settled once he had a footy in his hands during the pre-game warm-up.
"The crowd gives you the chills, it's like having another player out there, and makes everything easier when the crowd's behind you. The Tiger Army is so good at it, they're so loud, and we had it tough last year, so for them to still be with us is great.
"I don't reckon I got to bed till about four in the morning, I was just buzzing from the energy from the crowd and thinking about the win. It's hard to get to sleep when there's so much adrenaline running through you late at night, but I've caught up over the past few nights."
Lalor drew comparisons with Tigers club legend Dustin Martin for his pace and the cleanliness of his ballwork and it didn't take long for some to call for him to adopt the number four guernsey.
"You've got to earn your stripes," Lalor replied. "If it happens in the next few years, I'd happily take it."