Lauderdale star Sam Siggins on track for round one return from season-ending ankle injury

It’s an injury that cost him a chance at a potential premiership but Lauderdale star Sam Siggins has provided a positive update on his return to football.

Lauderdale's Sam Siggins is confident he can return as early as round 1, 2025 after missing the back-half of 2024 with an ankle injury. Picture: Solstice Digital.

Lauderdale star Sam Siggins is confident he can return to football as soon as round 1 next season with the three-time Alastair Lynch Medallist back running following ankle surgery.

Siggins missed the Bombers late-season run towards this year’s TSL grand final after suffering a nasty ankle injury at training in late July.

The veteran returned to running some six weeks ago.

Now closing in on a return to joining in with the main group, Siggins said a potential comeback in the opening game of the Bombers life in the new SFL Premier League next season was well within reach but admitted he would be guided by both his body and the physios.

Siggins was limited to just 11 games last season. Picture: Solstice Digital.

“I certainly think it’s realistic to think I can play round one,” Siggins said.

“If I’m not right I won’t push it though. After missing a grand final this season, I want to be out playing in September, so I won’t push it if the ankle isn’t right for round one. I’d love to be out there but I want to be at my best in the back half of the season also.”

A star of Tasmanian football’s modern age, Siggins will be one of a number of Lauderdale veterans hoping new senior coach Brent Dolliver can lead them to an elusive premiership.

And while he’s unsure if he will return as a damaging forward or a ball-winning midfielder, the former Adelaide draftee admits it may be tough to squeeze into a tall forward line that includes Jordan Lane, Michael Blackburn, Cam Hooker and new recruits Noah Holmes and Jack Dolliver.

“Brent’s been great for the whole football club. His passion and professionalism is second to none and the way he builds relationships and his knowledge of the game will be massive for our group,” he said.

“The buy in from the boys has been great and I feel like he is the one that can help us take that next step.

“We’ve had brief conversations that will probably expand soon but I’d love to get back playing midfield. I’m 30 now and I do like playing forward also, but obviously with the recruits we’ve got, it’s probably not required for me to go forward as much so I probably will spend a bit of time through the midfield.”