ANTHONY Morabito will make his long-awaited return to AFL football against Melbourne in Darwin on Saturday night.
 
The 23-year-old has endured three knee reconstructions since his last AFL game 1394 days ago - the 2010 semi-final against Geelong at the MCG.
 
But following some strong form in the WAFL and mounting speculation about his return, Morabito was told the good news after training on Thursday that he would finally make his return.
 

"After training, Ross Lyon called everyone in," Morabito told fremantlfc.com.au.
 
"His last point was that I was in. I was a little bit shocked.
 
"All the boys were really happy, they embraced me. I was quite emotional at the time and I’ll cherish that moment."
 
Morabito called his parents shortly after to tell them the good news. He said playing one game after all that he has endured would be a great accomplishment.
 
"When you've missed a lot of footy, especially at the top level, you'd give anything just to walk down that race one time," Morabito said.
 
"I'm fortunate that I'm young enough and the club has obviously helped me out greatly with the approach we took to everything.
 
"To come back now and have the opportunity to actually do it is quite exciting."