Cyril Rioli has been declared fit and will play for Hawthorn in the season opener against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday night.
Read: Team announcement Round 1
It was a close call, but he got over the line after an intense 10-week training block, following a delayed start to the pre-season while he cared for his father, who suffered a heart attack last September.
The 28-year-old mercurial forward missed the last 14 weeks of last season after suffering a PCL injury while flying for a mark against Brisbane in Launceston.
"I’m pretty excited. Having been almost a year out of footy, it’s been a long journey," he told hawthornfc.com.au.
"When I came back to training, I just worked hard and it didn’t matter whether I played this round or Round 5.
"I set a goal to get fit and I’m pretty happy where I am. I’m confident with where my body is at and I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a kick."
For last minute tickets to Saturday night's game, click here.
