Long wait almost over for Staker

Brent Staker playing for the Lions reserves in NEAFL. Picture: Jonathon Searle Source: The Courier-Mail

Simon Black is also on the comeback trail. Picture: Jonathon Searle Source: The Courier-Mail

BRENT Staker says he is on track to return to the AFL in Round 7 after making his long awaited comeback from a knee reconstruction in the NEAFL on Saturday.

Staker has suffered a horror run with injuries with two ACL tears in quick succession since arriving at the Gabba, and last kicked a ball in anger in late 2011.

After a gruelling rehabilitation process that included an operation on his "good" knee earlier this year, the 28-year-old played a variety of roles in Brisbane's 81-point win over Broadbeach at Coorparoo that was also the comeback match for Simon Black.

He started on the wing and pushed forward in the second half with the former West Coast Eagle looking more comfortable as the game went on.

Staker finished with 15 disposals, eight marks and one goal for the Lions reserves and was delighted to get through unscathed after what has felt like an eternity in the grandstands.

"I'll get a lot of confidence out of that. It is something I can really build on," Staker said.

"It was terrific to have a hit-out after so long.

"I definitely felt the intensity of the game after more than a year on the sidelines and it probably showed towards the end. Everyone was asking me before the game if I was nervous.

"I tried to play it down but I have to admit I was pretty nervous because it isn't easy coming back from a couple of serious injuries."

Staker said the May 11 clash with West Coast at the Gabba was still the date circled on the calendar for his return to the elite level.

The 196cm-tall, 100kg utility will be worth his weight in gold to Lions coach Michael Voss as he has the ability to play key positions at either end of the field and can call on all the experience gained from 139 senior games.

In the other NEAFL matches, Queanbeyan edged out Aspley by three points in a thriller, while Morningside thrashed Sydney University by 68 points in the other cross-conference encounter.

Gold Coast accounted for Redland by 11 goals.
 

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