Bathurst ’75 product now Sydney FC right back Rhyan Grant injured his ACL back in July 2017, keeping him out of the entire 2017-18 A-League season.

And it’s not the first time his suffered the injury, rupturing his ACL back in 2014.

But now he’s back and playing football, featuring in the Sky Blues round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final matches in the FFA Cup this year.

It’s been a long road to recovering but now he’s fighting fit and is hoping to make his way back into the starting XI come kick-off to the season on October 19. 

His most recent match was playing Western Sydney Wanderers in a 3-0 win in the FFA Cup semi-final. 

“It’s only earlier days but it was good to get 90 minutes under the belt and get the win,” he said.

“It’s my second time round with this injury, doing both knees now. So touch wood that’s all done, but the recovery was pretty smooth sailing.

“I was a chance to be available at the back end of last season but it wasn’t to be. I just waited for the season to end, to start the season nice and fresh and ready to go this year.

“I’m just looking forward to having an injury free season this one coming.” 

He said the injury was tough at times.

“I already had the injury before, so I knew what the recovery was going to be like and people think that might be a positive. At the same time, it can be a bit of kick in the guts,” he said.

“You know how hard it is to get back and what it takes with vigorous rehab. 

“It’s one of those things that have to be done, otherwise, you’re never going to get back.”

Before his injury, Graham Arnold was the head coach of Sydney FC, but now Grant will have to impress new coach and club legend Steve Corica.

“I’ve been around long enough to play with him and I know him really well,” he said.

“He knows my game but obviously you’re still trying to impress in every training session.”

In his time at Sydney FC, Grant has turned into a fan favourite, with the supporters coming up with their own song.

The song isn’t the most flattering one, taking the mickey out of his different hair cuts. 

“It’s pretty worthy with some of the haircuts I’ve had over the years but I’ve embraced the song,” he said.

“When I do have an ordinary haircut, I do look forward to what they have to say. It’s all in good fun.”