Fighting fitness - Ziegler's battle to get back on the park

Virtually from the moment he joined the club, the 29-year old suffered knee problems – and surgery only weeks out from the start of last season inevitably delayed his debut in red and black. 

Round seven saw him finally take to the field for the first time, away to Central Coast Mariners in a 2-0 win – but just six games later Ziegler was back on the treatment table

Ziegler knew that that the key to overcoming this tough spell on the sidelines began with himself. 

"I always stay positive," Ziegler told FTBL. "If you are a person who is more negative you struggle more. I try to enjoy myself because I'm very happy with my life." 

The support of his family was key to Ziegler pushing through the tough times while he fought his way back to the football field.

But he says family doesn't just mean his wife and young daughter, but also his adopted family at the football club. 

Coach Markus Babbel played his part in nursing Ziegler back to full fitness, even travelling back to Germany to pay him a visit during rehab. 

"Markus always talked to me and helped me," said Ziegler. "He understood me and gave me space to recover.

"When I did my rehab in Germany during the break he came over to talk to me. He was always there and I appreciate that.

"I always see the positive in things because I couldn't change it and I had to be patient.

"Of course it's hard, but if you have a good family and good people around you it's not the worst thing in the world."

Ziegler is expected to build on his six-game cameo last season in an experienced A-League defence with Dylan McGowan and Mat Jurman.

The two Australians have a combined total of 225 A-League appearances and nine Socceroos caps... while Ziegler will be aiming to at last break into double figures for the Wanderers.