It’s been 1072 days since Sam Reid last played AFL football. 

After retirement, a coaching career and a rookie lifeline, Reid will play in one of the GIANTS’ biggest games in their short history when he lines up in Sydney Derby X on Sunday.

When he was re-drafted on to the GIANTS’ rookie list in November, Reid said at the time he’d “throw the kitchen sink” at another shot at the AFL level.

As NEAFL captain he’s led from the front, playing eight games and kicking 24 goals playing predominately as a forward.

On Thursday morning coach Leon Cameron confirmed the 26-year-old would line up for the GIANTS against the Swans at Spotless Stadium for his 25th game of AFL football.

"The last year or so everyone joked about (me) getting picked up but when Leon actually mentioned it to me I thought he was taking the p**s," Reid told AFL.com.au earlier this year.

"I thought he was joking, it was a weird conversation and I started laughing.

"Now I'm running around at training like a mad man, purely on excitement.

"I honestly can't believe it, I didn't think I'd ever play again.

"Two years ago if you had have asked me (about being on an AFL list), I never would have thought that I'd get another opportunity.” 

Reid first began his AFL career in 2008 after being drafted to the Western Bulldogs. He played 10 games for the club before joining the GIANTS as a an un-contracted player in 2011. 

Injuries limited him to 14 games in his two seasons at the club and persistent shoulder issues forced him in to retirement at the end of 2013.  

Reid remained at the club as a Development Coach and captained the NEAFL side. Last season he kicked 30 goals in 17 games for the WSU GIANTS.

With his body in the best condition it’s ever been and another shot at the big time, Reid has come a long way since his last game in round 15, 2013.

"I found a different perspective at NEAFL level. I was more about helping the young blokes than worrying about myself, and it helped me see the game differently," he said previously.

"I reckon that helped me play a lot better and I don't want to lose that perspective now.

"Blokes sh*t themselves about making mistakes and I used to do that as well.

"When I was on the list (previously) I used to panic and get flustered, and think about if I was going to get a game the next week. 

"I think that's one of the reasons I've played well over the past two years because I haven't had that pressure.” 

The GIANTS’ 25-man squad for Sydney Derby X at Spotless Stadium on Sunday will be named at 6.25pm tonight with the final 22 to be named at 5pm on Friday.

Check back to gwsgiants.com.au throughout Friday for our chat with the man of the moment.