Lachie Strogusz is back training with Moreton Bay United, 12 months after tearing an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
As Jets prepared to face Easts at Wolter Park tonight (7pm), Lachie was completing his third week of non-contact football.
“I feel really good and fit, but I’m still building up to full contact,” said the 23-year-old midfielder. “At the moment it’s just things like passing drills and shooting.
“November I should be able to go more full contact and then January hopefully be ready to go for it. That’s what the physios say we’re on track for.”
Having returned to Jets after a season (2019) with Sunshine Coast Wanderers, Lachie was a mainstay of the side last year, barely missing a game.
But that changed in the 37th minute at Peninsula Power on September 9.
It was four months until surgery and he is still doing rehab work. But Lachie’s thoughts are already on the 2022 season.
“Having any injury is frustrating,” he said, “but there’s nothing you can do about it. You can’t get too caught up on it … just keep looking ahead.
“I took a little time off to refresh a bit, but I’ve tried to get to games and come down here (to Wolter Park). I’m looking forward to playing again here.”
Jets will finish 2021 no lower than seventh in the NPL, as our closest rivals, tonight’s visitors Easts, are 10 points behind with only three games left.
In April Jets won 6-3 in our first NPL victory at Heath Park. Our two NPL clashes at Wolter Park finished 1-1 in 2020 and 2-2 in 2019.
Jets’ Under 23s are in the finals and tonight (5pm) will be looking for three points to keep pressure on leaders Brisbane Roar.
Jets Under 18s are also in the finals and face Easts (3pm), in 10th place, just one point behind Sunshine Coast wanderers, who are third.