Warren Tredrea will play football for the first time in more than eight months this Thursday night when he lines up for the Port Adelaide Magpies against Norwood at the Parade.

Power football manager Peter Rohde said the SANFL was the right option for Tredrea as he goes about returning to full fitness.

“We’ve always taken a long term view with Warren, ever since he went in for surgery last year, and we’ve been consistent with that throughout his recovery,” Rohde told PortAdelaideFC.com.au

“He’s been training for quite a few weeks and playing SANFL this week is another step towards full fitness for him.”

Tredrea said he was excited to be back playing after so long on the sidelines.

“It’s been nearly eight months since my operation, it’s been a long slow road back, and to play any football is better than training right now,” Tredrea said.

“I’ve got to the stage now where as part of my recovery I’m not going to get any more out of training.

“This is about implementing all the training, game simulation and getting some match fitness.

“It’s great that I’ve been given the opportunity by the Magpies to play, so that when I come back to Port Adelaide I will be as best prepared as I can be.”

The Power skipper had major knee surgery last year after persistent knee problems, which started in a pre-season practice match against Brisbane, plagued him all year.

The Port Adelaide Magpies v Norwood game is the SANFL’s season opener. It starts at 7.40pm, this Thursday night, at Coopers Stadium (Norwood Oval) on the Parade at Norwood.

Tredrea is expected to line up in the No. 16 guernsey.