GIANTS forward Brett Deledio is set to take the next step in his return to the AFL, making his GIANTS debut in the NEAFL on Saturday.

The 30-year-old, who joined the GIANTS from Richmond during the 2016 AFL Trade Period, will line up against Sydney University at Blacktown International SportsPark.

GIANTS coach Leon Cameron confirmed Deleido will play while speaking to Mark Robinson and Gerard Whateley on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Thursday night.

“We were probably thinking he'd play next week but he's trained really well this week," Cameron said.

"He'll probably play 50 to 60 percent in the NEAFL on the weekend, it's great for Brett and great for the club as we know what he's been through.

"He does need to play footy to get footy fit, it might be a couple of weeks of NEAFL before we look to put bring him into the AFL.

"Touch wood he gets through unscathed this weekend, he needs another game next week and then hopefully he'll be knocking on the door after that."

The GIANTS Reserves play Sydney University at Blacktown International SportsPark on Saturday July 22 at 2.00pm.