FOUR-TIME Hawthorn premiership defender Grant Birchall will make his return to football 740 days since his last senior game.

Birchall hasn't played since round 15, 2017, with a combination of knee and calf injuries keeping him on the sidelines.

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But he is a confirmed starter for Saturday's clash against Fremantle at UTAS Stadium in Launceston.

"I'm just really excited to get back out there again," said Birchall.

"It's been a tough two years, but I get my opportunity this week so I’m rapt.

"My body is the best it's been for a long time.

"I've ticked all the boxes, I'm fit, I'm ready to go, so I'm looking forward to it."