FOUR-TIME Hawthorn premiership defender Grant Birchall will make his return to football 740 days since his last senior game.
Birchall hasn't played since round 15, 2017, with a combination of knee and calf injuries keeping him on the sidelines.
ALL THE TEAMS Check 'em out
But he is a confirmed starter for Saturday's clash against Fremantle at UTAS Stadium in Launceston.
Try wiping the smile off this bloke's face!
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) July 11, 2019
How good is it to see Birch back. pic.twitter.com/b53jtVcXk0
"I'm just really excited to get back out there again," said Birchall.
"It's been a tough two years, but I get my opportunity this week so I’m rapt.
"My body is the best it's been for a long time.
"I've ticked all the boxes, I'm fit, I'm ready to go, so I'm looking forward to it."