Young GIANTS defender Jeremy Finlayson marked his NEAFL return with 16 touches and a cracking chase-down tackle when the WSU GIANTS faced the Swans reserves on Saturday at Blacktown International Sportpark.

The 20-year-old is in his second season in the AFL with the Academy product settling into the NEAFL side in defence last year, finishing in the best players regularly towards the end of the season. 

A knee injury during a NEAFL trial match put Finlayson on the sidelines after making his senior debut for the GIANTS in their first NAB Challenge match against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra.

After completing his rehab diligently, Finlayson returned to the NEAFL side for his first official game of the year on Saturday.

While the WSU GIANTS eventually went down to the Swans, Finlayson's tackle to save a certain goal was definitely amongst the highlights.