The 32-year-old has been recalled after missing five weeks through injury, but is confident the thigh injury which kept him sidelined will hold up as his club prepares for its biggest match in seven years.
The Pies’ backman didn’t back away when asked about the prospect of him standing the game’s potential match-winner.
“I definitely think we’ll lock horns,” Prestigiacomo told afl.com.au when asked about the Saints' skipper.
“Rooey and Kosi, and probably any other tall that comes down.”
Prestigiacomo said he was now confident his body could withstand an AFL match after a five-week stint on the sidelines.
A corked thigh “bled and bled”, and more than one bout of surgery was required to remedy the injury.
While some intensive training has prepared him for the season’s showpiece game, he admitted to doubting whether he would make it back for the season decider.
“I suppose when you have a longer-term injury type thing, you wonder if you’re going to get back,” he said.
“And the boys have been playing some pretty good footy, so it’s been pretty tough to force my way back in.
“I’ve done a fair bit of running and things like that, probably a lot more than the other guys, except [I] just haven’t played the games.
“I’ve been able to get in a lot of good sessions without having to worry about recovering from the games.”
Young defender Nathan Brown assumed the full-back’s role in Prestigiacomo’s absence, and was considered an unlucky omission when teams were selected on Thursday night.
“I’m definitely feeling for him,” Prestigiacomo said of Brown.
“It’s pretty tough, but I’m sure he’ll be back out there. He’s got a good 10 years-plus, so he’ll be back and better.”
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