After a strong week on the training track, Gold Coast ball magnet Dion Prestia will make his long-awaited senior return against Essendon at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.

Prestia’s most recent appearance in SUNS colours came in round eight last year in which he suffered a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

The 23-year-old averaged an impressive 27 disposals, 8.1 clearances and 4.8 tackles per game before succumbing to the injury and his inclusion will be a welcome addition to Gold Coast’s engine room.

“We put him through a final fitness test today, he cleared that,” senior coach Rodney Eade told United Coaches Chat on Thursday.

“Pressed him very hard about his ability to get through but he was extremely confident, he’s had a big couple of weeks on the track.

“We’ll monitor his game time throughout the game but he’ll certainly give our midfield a great injection.”