BRENT Prismall is set to make his return to football this weekend almost 12 months to the day since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Essendon midfielder hasn't played since suffering the injury in round 19 last year, but had enjoyed a strong recovery from his knee reconstruction before suffering some hamstring tightness as he ramped up his training in recent months. ??

He will play for the Bombers' VFL affiliate Bendigo Gold against Sandringham on Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval.??

Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton confirmed Prismall's return, and said the club hoped the 26-year-old would press for selection later in the season.

"We're really happy for Brent, and for us as a club, that he's back playing football," Hamilton told AFL.com.au.

"It has been a long time and he's had a tough rehabilitation period. It's just really pleasing to have him back.

"He'll have to get some match fitness and form, but then it will be up to him. We'd be hoping he's going to put some performances together and push up for a spot."??

Prismall's return has seen a reshuffle in Essendon's elevated rookie situation.

In February, Prismall was added to the club's long-term injury list and rookie Cory Dell'Olio was elevated onto the senior list in his place.

Prismall's return meant Dell'Olio was momentarily back on the rookie list, but on Wednesday the AFL approved Essendon's move to place injured defender Luke Davis on the long-term injury list.

This means Dell'Olio, who kicked two goals in the Bombers' win over Port Adelaide last week, will retain his senior spot at the expense of Davis.

Hamilton said Davis' ankle injury - he hasn't played since May - has had some complications.

Callum Twomey is a reporter for the AFL website. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey. ?