ANTHONY Morabito's father says he will probably "get a bit excited" when he watches his son finally mark his AFL return at Darwin's TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

 

Vince Morabito will make the long trek from Harvey in WA's south-west to Darwin to be there when his son runs onto the field for his first AFL game in 1394 days against Melbourne.

 

It is the moment that Morabito and his family have long dreamt of and should bring some closure to one of football's most agonising stories.

 

Morabito has not played since the 2010 semi-final loss to Geelong, with the 22-year-old Docker fighting his way back from three consecutive left knee reconstructions.

 

"I probably will get a bit excited, just (for him) to finally get there after such a long time," Mr Morabito told AFL.com.au.

 

"I'm happy for Anthony, he's done the hard yards and for him to reach this situation, it's good.

 

"I just hope he enjoys the moment and makes the most of his opportunity."

 

Morabito was taken by the Dockers with pick No. 4 overall in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft and made an immediate impression at Fremantle Oval by playing 23 games in his debut season.

 

He refused to throw in the towel despite three years on the sidelines and has knocked the selection door down this season thanks to his consistently impressive WAFL form for Peel Thunder.

 

"He's been doing the right thing there and making the most of his opportunities," Mr Morabito said.

 

"Especially the last six or so weeks he's really taken the game and he's just enjoying it."

 

Getting continuity into his football has built Morabito's confidence in his knee, his father said.

 

"I think he's got over that (anxiety), I think he's just been preparing like he has been here," Mr Morabito said.

 

"To start off with I'd say he will be (nervous), but he'll just knuckle down and do what he's got to do.

 

"It will be just a steady progression to that level now. He's worked hard for it and it will be great to see him out there tomorrow."