KARMICHAEL Hunt picked up plenty of the ball in his comeback match at Etihad Stadium yesterday and in doing so showed AFL fans across the country he still has plenty to offer the sport.

Having gained match fitness through the NEAFL, Hunt was a late inclusion for an ill-stricken Jarrod Harbrow, making his first AFL appearance since injuring his calf against Adelaide in Round 14.

Starting the match as the sub, Hunt was activated at half-time after Andrew Boston suffered a knock to the chest – and it didn’t take long for the tri-code pioneer to make an immediate impact, throwing his body into the first available contests minutes after coming on the ground. 

Providing a much-needed spark and muscle around the stoppage, Hunt finished with 10 disposals at 80% efficiency and three clearances – a performance likely to warrant selection against Greater Western Sydney next week according to GC SUNS midfield coach Matthew Primus. 

“Karmichael came on and made an impact for us in the half of football he played,” Primus said.

“He played a bit on-ball and as a half high forward, and gathered 10 touches which would have given him a lot of confidence..”

“He looked lively, fresh and gave us a bit of a spark considering he’s had an injury-interrupted second-half of the season.”

With Daniel Gorringe (groin), Greg Broughton and Boston all in doubt after succumbing to injury against the Saints on Sunday, Hunt remains a good chance to retain his spot against the Giants.

“There’s a good chance he will get to back it up against the Giants next week.”