Andrew Boston will take a significant step towards reviving his AFL career this Saturday when the Gold Coast product makes his long-anticipated return to football.

It has been more than four months since a serious ankle injury, suffered in the NEAFL SUNS’ season opener, conspired against Boston building on his breakthrough inaugural campaign.

He will return to the field against the Brisbane Lions reserves at Coorparoo with a greater appreciation of his career after the long layoff.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself and how hard it is to work yourself back from a serious injury,” he said.

“It’s been a challenging seventeen weeks, but I’m now looking forward to lacing up the boots and getting back on the playing field.”

The only thing more frustrating than going under the knife for a serious fracture in his right ankle was the extensive rehabilitation that followed.

He completed rigorous hydrotherapy programs in the pool, and gradually commenced gymnastic sessions in a bid to strengthen the muscles and nerves around his ankle.

The sessions proved successful for Zac Smith on his road to recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, and GC SUNS rehabilitation coach, Paul Haines, said at the time they had worked wonders for the former Broadbeach Cats star.

“Part of his rehab work is on leg strengthening and conditioning, and provide a different conditioning than the usual weights program at the club, so they’ve become an important part of his program...,” Haines said.

Boston came to the club through the AFL Rookie Draft in 2012.