GREATER Western Sydney forward Jon Patton will finally make his comeback from a second knee reconstruction, when he plays for the Giants' reserves in the NEAFL this weekend.
GWS confirmed the 22 year-old will make his first appearance for 2015 in the curtain raiser to the senior side's clash with St Kilda at Spotless Stadium on Sunday.
After booting 25 goals in his first 18 games last season, Patton tore the ACL in his right knee at the MCG in round 21, after suffering the same injury to the same knee, in round three, 2013.
Despite being given clearance to return to full training in April and taking part in match simulation with the rest of the GWS squad, plus some grueling extra running sessions after training, Patton has remained on the Giants' injury list.
Just last month, senior coach Leon Cameron denied the powerful big man had suffered any physical setbacks in his rehabilitation, and suggested Patton's delayed return was because the club was taking a cautious approach with the young star.
The news is a huge bonus for the Giants who have been crippled by serious injuries in recent weeks, with star ruckman Shane Mumford (ankle) ruled out for the season, plus key defenders Phil Davis (ankle) and Joel Patfull (lung/ribs) missing for at least two months.
Patton will play limited game time this week, with a look at a return to the AFL in the next month.