Inaugural GIANT Adam Kennedy admits there’ll be some nerves in Blacktown on Saturday morning as the popular utility makes his long-awaited return to the field after more than 400 days sidelined with injury.

Having played 153 games for the club since arriving back in 2011, the man known affectionally as “Kenners’ will return the field via the VFL on Saturday after overcoming a year-long ACL rehab followed by a frustrating hamstring injury.

A heart and soul player at the club and a GIANTS Life Member, Kennedy ruptured his ACL in round six last year and following a diligent rehab program was recently ready to return to action until a hamstring injury derailed his comeback.

But with his knee and his hamstring now good to go, Kennedy will pull on the orange and charcoal for his first game in 427 days when the GIANTS’ VFL side host the Swans at Blacktown on Saturday.

“I’m super excited about it and can’t wait to get out there,” Kennedy said ahead of his return.

“It’s really exciting and I feel like I’ve got to firstly enjoy it and enjoy being back out there. But also go out there and be able to play again and get a few kicks,” he laughed.

The 31-year-old, with almost 13 years of AFL experience, says there’ll certainly be nerves come Saturday morning but also a focus on appreciating the return to the game that he loves.

“Even if I’ve played 50 games in a row I always get a good amount of nerves before a game, which I think is healthy, so I’m sure those nerves will be there. It’s obviously been 13 or 14 months since I played so that’ll give me a few little extra nerves though for sure.

“But I’m trying to just enjoy the week and I’ve learnt not to take footy for granted so once I get back out there it’s about just enjoying it all no matter how the game is going or how I am going, just take it all in and have fun.”

Admitting there were some dark days during his lengthy rehab, especially the first month post knee surgery, Kennedy says his GIANTS teammates and the medical staff were crucial to his recovery.

“My teammates have been unbelievable and so supportive. They always check in with me  and even when I hit little milestones everyone gets around me,” he said.

“They made the last year or so enjoyable considering I’m not out there playing which is what I love doing. It’sbeen super helpful with them by my side.

“We are a selfless group so we get around each other and I’m sure my return will put a few smiles on faces, especially guys I’ve worked closely with and the physios and the ‘S&C’ [strength and conditioning] guys. They see you go through this journey the most and they ride the highs and lows, and I haven’t been easy for them, but I’m excited to get back out there and do them all proud.”

The hard-running and tough utility, who has been named in the back pocket for Saturday’s VFL clash, will use Saturday’s return as the first step in his goal of returning to the AFL side this season.

 “With a bit of maturity I understand it’s going to be hard to get back in because we are up and running and have a pretty good list, but everyone wants to play seniors and that’s my ultimate goal,” he said.

“Even if I’m performing well at VFL level then I’m helping to push players to hold their spot,” he added.

“I know I’ll have to do my time in the VFL and build up my confidence but hopefully my form is going well and I can keep asking the question of ‘Kingers’ [Adam Kingsley] and the coaches.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to get back in, so we’ll see how it all plays out.”

Kennedy’s long-awaited return to action kicks off at 11:05am on Saturday in Blacktown as the GIANTS host the Swans.

Entry to the VFL is free for all fans, while all games are streamed live at afl.com.au/vfl