Exciting first-year forward Izak Rankine is set to be named in the NEAFL team for this weekend as he makes his return from a hip injury.

Rankine has missed the last six weeks of football managing the injury, but after working his way back into full training is now ready to return to the field.

SUNS GM – Football Operations Jon Haines told SUNS Media it was a pleasing result for Rankine who has endured a frustrating season on the sidelines.

“We’re excited to have Izak back out there playing football this weekend,” Haines told SUNS Media. 

“We’re certainly not putting any expectations on him, we just want him to go out there and enjoy it.

“Izak is excited as are all of his team mates.

“He has demonstrated an impressive level of diligence throughout his first year at the club and while it has been frustrating at times, we have no doubt that the experience is going to hold him in great stead going into 2020 and beyond.” 

The NEAFL team takes on the Sydney Swans Reserves at 12pm this Saturday at Tramway Oval. 

The match will be livestreamed here.