Basketball star Lauren Jackson says she is expecting to feel emotional before this weekend’s game against the Dandenong – her first home game for the Canberra Capitals in five years.

Australia’s most famous female basketballer has been forced off court by a number of injuries for much of the past four years, in a frustrating saga triggered by stress fractures in her shins during the 2010-11 season.

She made her return to the WNBL two weeks ago in Adelaide with a 15-minute stint on court.

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But the Capital’s star shooter said this weekend’s game against Dandenong in Canberra would be a moment full of nostalgia for her.

“I’m really excited about getting out there and just being in front of the fans and the people that have supported me. Canberra has really supported me the last few years,” she told 666 ABC Canberra.

“It has been a tough time physically and emotionally … I’m going to be probably teary and emotional on Sunday, but I’m excited.”

Jackson said Canberra’s fans had supported her through what had sometimes been a difficult year on the sidelines.

“It’s just going to be a little bit of nostalgia setting in for me. I’m really excited about getting out there and just being in front of the fans and the people that have supported me,” she said.

“Canberra has really supported me the last few years.

“It has been a tough time physically and emotionally … But Canberra is a great sporting city and it’s got people that really support us and I’m just excited to get out there and play.”

‘When I’m crowded I start to freak out a little bit’

The player said she has long history with Canberra fans, helping their team to several finals wins in the past.

“The fans don’t forget,” she said.

“This could be another great time; you never know what’s going to happen. We’re sort of lingering in a playoff spot now … you never know.

“I just wanted to be able to help the team win games. As the season goes along I’m sure I’m going to get better and better.”

The sharpshooter said as well as encouragement from fans, her teammates were also helping her get back into the swing of being on court.

She said it was proving challenging after a long time spent training off court, doing weights and cardio only.

One of the most difficult things was overcoming her nerves on court, triggered by fears of re-injuring herself, she said.

“Not being out on court has made it very difficult to try and get the little things back, you know, catching balls and being OK when there’s a lot of people around me,” she said.

“When I’m crowded I start to freak out a little bit, because you know, you get worried about your knee … it’s more that stuff that’s the hardest part and I just need to get used to it.

“The Caps have definitely been helping me. I trained a little bit earlier in the week with the girls and so I just need to keep working through it.”

Despite feeling rusty, Jackson still managed to score 13 points in her 15 minutes on court against Adelaide in December.

Win against Dandenong ‘so important’

Before the Capitals take on Dandenong on Sunday, they must face the Townsville Fire on Friday night – without Jackson’s help.

She will stay behind in Canberra, to rest up for Sunday’s home game.

“It’s going to be hard to pull a win off up there [in Townsville], especially with Kristen [Veal] not at full fitness, Hannah Savecz out with an ankle injury, and myself,” she said.

“It’s going to be tough to pull it off, but if they can that would be amazing.”

However with only nine games left, Jackson said Sunday’s match-up against Dandenong was more important for the team’s progression in the competition.

“It’s so important because Dandenong is sitting equal with us on fifth spot at the moment and we need to win the split against them, so that if we finish with the same placings, we can move into the fourth spot,” she said.

“It’s not the be all and end all of the season, but it’s going to make it very difficult if we don’t pull it off.”