The small number of fans watching Gold Coast's AFL pre-season match against Geelong at Metricon Stadium didn't prevent a loud cheer going up when Rory Thompson took to the field.
When the 200cm key defender came on in Monday's game it was Thompson's first appearance in a senior match for the Suns since 2018.
In the 1162 days since that 103rd AFL appearance, Thompson has undergone two knee reconstructions and feared his career might be over.
Thompson wasn't eased back in either, running straight out to Cats' superstar Patrick Dangerfield before helping the Suns seal a 23-point win.
For coach Stuart Dew, it was a highlight of the victory.
"He's been through a fair bit," Dew said.
"I think it's over three years now. I guess at different times he wouldn't have thought he'd see the day that he pulled the guernsey back on for a senior game, whether it's a trial game or not.
"So full credit to Rory and then the staff that have worked with him to get into this point."
Thompson's return was one of many good news stories for the Suns out of the game.
After shoulder and knee surgeries in the past two seasons, young gun Matt Rowell appears to be heading into 2022 in good form, gathering 27 touches in a performance that included eight clearances and seven tackles.
Jack Lukosius showed his move forward following Ben King's season-ending ACL injury has promise with three goals and a magnificent pass to put one on a platter for forward partner Mabior Chol.
There was also a successful first outing for co-captain Jarrod Witts following his own ACL injury, the ruckman playing into the final quarter and sending 15 of his 28 hitouts to the direct advantage of a Suns' teammate.
"It's good to have Wittsy back, that's for sure," Dew said.
"Having that genuine ruck in there and he's our co-captain, so guys walk a bit taller with him in the side.
"He's been good to go for a while now, so we've been having to hold him back a little bit and that's okay.
"He's all ticked off and he'll be ready for round one."
