After 435 days on the sidelines, Adam Kennedy has learnt not to take the little things for granted.

The GIANTS defender, who turned 26 on Thursday, will make his return to the AFL from a knee reconstruction after an impressive month in the NEAFL, during which he averaged 26 possessions a game.

The GIANTS defender will play his first match since round seven last year when the GIANTS take on the Tigers in a Saturday night blockbuster at Spotless Stadium.

“I’ve watched a lot of games the boys have gone out and played, and (now) I get to be a part of it, which is very exciting,” Kennedy said.

“The plan was to play four good weeks of footy and I think I’ve delivered that, so I’ve got my opportunity this week and I can’t wait.”

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Training under lights at Spotless Stadium on Wednesday evening, Kennedy put in a convincing bid to earn his call-up to the AFL side, and on Thursday was named one of three inclusions.

Toby Greene, who hasn’t played since round five with a foot injury, and Jacob Hopper, who missed last week with calf tightness, both come back into the line-up, with Harry Perryman (hamstring), Matt de Boer (ankle) and Jeremy Finlayson (omitted) the three out.

For Kennedy, the return to the AFL is the final step following an extensive rehabilitation program after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in round seven last year.

He was thrust into the thick of the action in his NEAFL return, making an immediate impact in the midfield with 35 disposals and two goals in his first match back.

He continued to collect strong numbers in the subsequent weeks, before playing a full match from a half-back flank last weekend, where he still notched up 22 possessions.

“The coaches in the NEAFL – ‘Schneids’ (Adam Schneider) and ‘Damo’ (Damian Truslove) – have been really good,” Kennedy said.

“They’ve given me an opportunity just to go back and enjoy footy.

“They know it’s tough when you’re out for so long.”

Kennedy said he had learnt a lot in the 13 months he spent on the sidelines – the first long-term injury he has had to endure in his career.

“The club have been amazing during that time, so I want to get out there – not just this weekend, but going forward – and repay them,” he said.

“I think I still approach (the game) the same way, but I definitely appreciate not just playing on the weekend, but every training session.

“I’m absolutely loving weekends and being out playing, but even (Wednesday’s) session … it’s just a training session, but I’m not taking the little things for granted.”

Kennedy had good friend and fellow defender Matt Buntine for company for the bulk of his rehabilitation, with Buntine likewise working his way back from a knee reconstruction.

Buntine made his AFL return in Round 10, and has been leading by example in the NEAFL, where he captains the GIANTS side when playing.

“I think I’ve helped him throughout the rehab and he’s definitely helped me,” Kennedy said.

“He’s taught me a lot. He’s the ultimate professional and I don’t know how I could’ve done it without him. I was actually fortunate in a pretty bad situation to have him.

“We’ve unfortunately got a few boys in that (long-term injury) category now, but one thing I’ve learnt is how close and tight-knit this team is.

“We get around all the boys who are struggling, and I was that guy 12 months ago.”

Kennedy’s return comes as the GIANTS prepare to take on ladder leader Richmond at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night.

The GIANTS, who sit 10th on the ladder, are striving for a win to potentially push back into the top eight.

The GIANTS won a thriller in the corresponding match at Spotless Stadium last season, but the Tigers have won the past two outings between the teams – and claimed a premiership to boot.

But Kennedy said he will relish the chance to take on the competition’s pace-setters in his first game back.

“They’re flying at the moment, but I wouldn’t ask for anything else,” he said.

“Let’s hit them head-on and who knows? We’ll see how it goes.”

Head to Spotless Stadium on Saturday for a huge night at the footy - NEAFL begins at 1:45pm with a special screening of Ant-Man on the big screen at 4:20pm before the GIANTS take on the Tigers at 7:25pm.

Tickets start from just $24 with kids in free. Click here to get your tickets today.