JOSH Cowan will play his first game in nearly four years when he lines up for Geelong against Collingwood on Friday night.

Cowan last played for the Cats in round 18, 2011 before a series of Achilles and hamstring injuries derailed his career.

The 24-year-old has had two bouts of surgery on his Achilles, but after some good VFL form this season he will complete his return to the senior side on Friday night.

"It's all very exciting," Cowan told the club's website.

"These are the sort of games you really want to play – big games, big crowd at the MCG. So I'm very excited right now.

"Tomorrow and tonight I guess I'll be very nervous, I just looking forward to. I can't wait for it to start."

Cowan was taken with pick No.56 in 2009 NAB AFL Draft and made his debut against Gold Coast in round 10, 2011.