Gun defender Dylan Roberton will make his long-awaited return to football after an absence of nearly 10 months when he takes the field in this Saturday’s Intra-Club match.

The star half-back’s 2018 was put on hold when he suffered an irregularity in his heartbeat against Geelong in Round 4, leading to a lengthy and frustrating recovery.

But the 27-year-old is keen to make up for lost time, being named in the leadership group and eager to impress in the Saints’ first major hit-out of the summer.

MATCH INFO: Fan-fest at 2019 Intra-Club clash

Ruckman Billy Longer is recovering well after hamstring tightness, while Ben Long is also running well after experiencing some slight foot soreness.

Rookie Doulton Langlands is nearly back to full training following hamstring surgery in the off-season.

Star recruit Dan Hannebery is running very well after some minor hamstring soreness, while a conservative approach is being adopted for key back Jake Carlisle, who has experienced some tightness in his back.

Meanwhile, Jack Bytel is recovering soundly from his back surgery, while prized draftee Max King is well on his way to recovery following his ACL injury last year.