Saturday’s NEAFL practice match will carry more importance to Harrison Wigg than most of his teammates.

It will mark another significant step in the recruit’s recovery from a fractured ankle that he suffered in December.

Wigg is keen to get back out onto the field after a long stint in rehab and says that NEAFL Coach Nick Malceski just expects him to play his natural game.

“It’s been a long summer, inside doing rehab by myself.” Wigg told SUNS TV.

“I’m back playing this week in the NEAFL, so I’m very excited to get back on the field and playing my first game with the boys.

“Seeing as though it’s been a while since I’ve played, he’s just said go out there any play your normal game and see how you go.”

After spending the majority of his first pre-season as a SUN in rehab, the rebounding defender has still felt welcome to the club.

With the rehab group a lonely place to be at times, particularly when most of the team is fit and firing, Wigg never felt isolated.

“They were able to help me throughout my whole rehab, because being a new player at the club it’s not ideal to be in rehab.

“But all the boys did at least one session with me, whether it was a bike session or a little circuit, even hands and touch.

“So, everyone did a session with me and it was fantastic from the boys to get around me.

The support that he received from his teammates highlights the sense of family amongst the playing group.

Their actions have held him in good stead and Wigg is looking forward to getting out on the ground and playing footy again, starting with this Saturday’s game.

“It was very overwhelming, and I was very pleased that they did it, as it’s pretty tough when you’re by yourself in rehab. 

“It really helped me get through to where I am now."