Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin will make his long awaited comeback for the GIANTS  against Melbourne at the MCG this Sunday after almost a year on the sidelines with a knee injury.

O'hAilpin played just a half of football for the GIANTS in 2012 before rupturing his ACL in Round 6 against his former club, Carlton. He had kicked two goals before injuring his knee.

The 199cm GIANT is set to play at full forward against Melbourne in place of young star Jonathon Patton who tore his ACL against St Kilda in Round 3.

Greater Western Sydney GIANTS Coach Kevin Sheedy said that he was thrilled to see Setanta returning to the squad after a long rehabilitation.

"He turned up for an hour last year… then did a knee," Sheedy said. "Obviously losing Jonny Patton is a bit of a blow for us but Setanta deserves this opportunity after kicking five goals last week.

"Getting an experienced player in is a bonus for us as well. Melbourne beat us last year and we know that but this is really a final for us, both teams are searching for our first win."

Sheedy also forecast a number of changes to the GIANTS squad this week after a disappointing loss to St Kilda in Canberra.

"If you lose by a couple of ten goal loses you need to take responsibility in our second year as a whole group… The seconds had a good win so we will make five or six changes."

O'hAilpin said while he was looking forward to pulling on the boots for the senior side at the MCG on Sunday, he felt for Patton and hoped that the club and entire AFL Community would be behind the former number one draft pick.

"I was deeply disappointed when I did my knee. It was devastating, all you want to do is put your best foot forward and help out these young kids out but it wasn't to be," O'hAilpin said.

"Now we just need to get behind Jonny. I really feel for him, I had twelve months on the side lines.

"It's a long and tough road but we've got good strength and conditioning staff here and I have no doubt that he will come back as a stronger and better person. It will make him as a player because you don't really know yourself until you get a long term injury."