He’s battled the league’s biggest and toughest players, but now Scott Thompson will have the chance to fight it out against the competition’s real giants.

Returning earlier than expected from a knee injury, Thompson says he can’t wait to play again on Saturday night against the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

“Very pleased…got out on the training track and it was feeling good in the past few sessions so they’ve put me up to play and it’s very exciting,” Thompson told kangaroos.com.au.

“The knee complaint’s completely gone…I was a bit sore after training but not through the knee at all so the knee’s really good and I’m just excited to get out there against GWS.”

One of North Melbourne’s best defenders, Thompson has had an interrupted pre-season due to knee soreness but Director of Medical Services and Player Pathways Steve Saunders says he’s done all that’s required to be given a clean bill of health.

“Scotty worked so hard and so diligently in the early parts of his rehabilitation that we are now able to fast-track him to return to full training and games,” Saunders said.

“He had some niggling knee pain on the outside of his knee which needed a combination of rest and rehabilitation.

“His running fitness is good, we just want to do some more work on his match-fitness and touch so that he is ready for round one."

Thompson averaged more than 17 possessions a game in 2010 and was fourth in contested marks (16) and hard-ball gets (59) at the club.

But more concerning for the young Giants’ side is his attitude heading into the practice match.

“They’ve probably got smaller bodies and they’re not as strong but it’s my first game back so I won’t be taking it lightly and I will be going as hard as I can and try to defend well.

“It will be a good chance to play with the boys, get some fitness up and practice some defending.”

Making things even tougher for the GWS forwards will be the addition of Michael Firrito who returns from a minor hamstring setback.

North captain Brent Harvey is also back after being rested, as is Lachie Hansen.

Ben Speight, Brayden Norris, Cam Pedersen, Aaron Mullett and Ayden Kennedy will get another run, while the club will have its first look at Luke Delaney’s younger brother Cam and rookie Matthew Scott.

Club members will receive FREE ENTRY upon presentation of their membership card at Saturday night's match.

kangaroos.com.au will be providing live updates from the game.

What: North Melbourne v GWS Giants
Where: Lavington Oval
When: Saturday March 5, 7pm