Brett Deledio is finally back playing and he is rapt.

GWS have confirmed that the star AFL recruit will return through the NEAFL – his first game at any level this season.

Deledio last played for Richmond in round 17 last year and has struggled since with persistent calf muscle problems.

“Could feed me a banana sideways. That rapt to be back playing footy,” Deledio tweeted.

Newly-reappointed Giants coach Leon Cameron confirmed on Thursday night that Deledio will return a week earlier than expected.

He will play for their NEAFL side on Saturday against Sydney University.

“We were probably thinking he’d play next week but he’s trained really well this week,” Cameron told Fox Footy.

“He’ll probably play 50 to 60 per cent … it’s great for Brett and great for the club as we know what he’s been through.

“He does need to play footy to get footy fit, it might be a couple of weeks of NEAFL before we look to bring him into the AFL.”

Deledio, a two-time All-Australian, played 243 games for the Tigers.