An excited Sandor Earl is excited but is still finding it surreal his return from major knee surgery has come so quickly.
Earl will play his first competitive game of football in five years on Saturday evening when he turns out for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Intrust Super Cup.
The 29-year old's comeback was delayed last December when he suffered an ACL injury in pre-season training but since then his dedication and commitment to finding his way back onto the field has seen him make a rapid recovery.
"It's a bit surreal, it hasn't quite kicked in really," Earl explained.
"At the moment, it's my first game in 5 years – that's what I'm focusing on.
"I'm excited, I can't wait."
Riding an emotional rollercoaster over the past 7 months, Earl will be rewarded for all his hard work and dedication on Saturday which is both an exciting and nerve-wracking prospect for the winger.
"Being able to play in under 7 months (of knee surgery) is something I'm really proud of," Earl said.
"I've done all I can out on the field and now it's time to put it into practice.
"For whatever time I'm on the field I'm going to enjoy my first game and get some things ticked off and get some confidence.
"I'm going up there to help them out, contribute as much as I can and make an impact.
"I'm looking forward to getting up there and enjoying that atmosphere of game day."
