Shaun Higgins says he can’t wait to make his highly anticipated return against the Giants on Saturday; his first match since Round 7.

Higgins underwent surgery for a torn meniscus, injured during the Roos' win over St Kilda back in May.

After a lengthy stint on the sidelines, the number four is ready to make an impact as finals football draws closer.

“It’s been a long time coming, a lot of work has been ticked off and I’m looking forward to it.,” Higgins told NMFC.com.au.

“The focus for me was just ticking off boxes along the way and the last few weeks has probably been a little frustrating when you feel like you are close to a comeback, but we just waited one more week and now ready to go.”

Higgins hasn’t been alone in the rehab group, and is well aware of the frustrations of spending time away from competitive action, but said the players had treated it as a “mini pre-season” completed ahead of finals.

Teammate Luke McDonald will also return from a 10-week stint on the sidelines against the Giants on Saturday.

“It’s probably been no more frustrating than for the other boys (who have been injured),” Higgins said.

“I think (you feel) disappointment originally when you get the injury, but then you get stuck into your rehab, it feels like a mini pre-season that we do.”

Now with finals on the agenda, the aim for the 28-year-old is clear.

“That was always the focus (getting back for finals),” he added.

“I’m looking forward to playing my role for the side, getting a good run this weekend, then (having) a week off and launching into the finals.

“We’ve done as much as we can, I don’t think anything can prepare you for that initial blow-up when you are first out there, so try and get that out of the way nice and early and then just get stuck into the game and hopefully with all the work I’ve done I can get through ok.”