Dragons big-man Matt Burston is edging closer to a full recovery from corrective ankle surgery, last week getting the all clear from doctors to remove a protective boot from his right foot.

Burston, who’d been in the boot for three weeks, and had been restricted to crutches for over a month before that, is now working out in the gym for most of the week and swimming every other day.

“It’s all about getting the strength back in my legs, particularly my calves which have worn down a bit in the past few months,” said Burston.

“I do a bit of bike work in the gym as well as mixing some upper body strength into my routine.”

Working out alongside Australian Boomer David Anderson and new Dragons signing Adam Quick, Burston has a familiar weight partner in Matt Shanahan, a team mate from his last side, the Perth Wildcats.

“Matt (Shanahan) was a great influence on the Wildcats, he’s got a tremendous work ethic,” added Burston.

“He’s been around for a while, and he’ll have a lot to teach our young guards like Adam (Quick).”

The 213cm former league most improved will return to Perth over the weekend to watch his old state team play, before returning to Melbourne permanently next week.

“It’s exciting to move to a new city on the other side of the country,” he explained.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and I can’t wait to hit the court.”

Matt Burston #22 Height: 210cm Weight: 116kg Position: F/C Date of birth: 25.11.1982, Perth, Western Australia Junior Association: Perry Lakes (WA) NBL Clubs:Perth Wildcats 2001/02 - 2005/06; South Dragons 2006/07 -

Career Notes: Underwent major surgery on his right ankle early in the 2004/05 season, but managed to score 35 points in one of his last games ... ranked second in NBL for field goal percentage 2004 … ranked second in NBL for offensive rebounds and ninth for steals in 2004 … won the 2003 NBL Most Improved Player award … played in the 2003 NBL Grand Final with Perth … played for the Australian Schoolboys team that toured China and South Korea in 2001 ... won the Robert Staunton Medal for being the most outstanding player at the Under 20 National Championships in 2001 ... was named the WA State League Rookie of the Year in 2000 ... was a member of the Western Australia Under 18 and Under 20 teams.