GIANTS assistant coach Matthew Nicks believes Toby Greene will be "better for the run" after he made his long-awaited return from off-season ankle surgery.

Greene played a little more than a half against the Crows as part of his preparation for round one, while Tomlinson also made his return from a calf injury. 

"We came into the game with the idea to monitor those guys and keep an eye on some of their loads and we were looking at about a half. Toby ended up playing a little more than that, which was great," Nicks said.

"He'll be better for the run. His touch was slightly off but that's what happens when you haven't played footy for a while." 

Nicks said Greene and Tomlinson would play almost a full game in an intraclub hitout next Saturday to prove their fitness for the opening-round clash with Essendon. 

Nicks was impressed with forward Daniel Lloyd, who booted two goals from 15 disposals.

"He really has (taken his chance)," Nicks said.

"He's been real quality for us. He's taken his workrate and his off-field stuff to another level and there's still a lot of improvement to come.

"It was nice to see him step up and show some stuff through that last quarter especially."

The GIANTS also got through the game against the Crows unscathed.