Saunders was last night named on a half-forward flank in Gisborne’s team for its Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football League clash against Golden Square at Country Vet Oval this Sunday.

Saunders - a dual Gisborne premiership captain and the 2005 Michelsen medallist - has returned to Gardiner Reserve this season after ending his injury-ravaged stint with Port Adelaide in the SANFL.

He has trained for the past three weeks and was the runner for the Bulldogs against Eaglehawk last Saturday.

“I really missed playing for Gisborne last year, so it’s good to be home,” Saunders said yesterday.

“I’m not expecting to come out and set the world on fire or anything like that, but I’ve really missed it over the past 10 weeks.

“I’ve had a good break, but it’s time to get back into it.

“I know it’s going to probably take me a month or so to get back to any sort of form, so I just have to take it as it comes and try to play as well as I can.”

Saunders says he is excited to be making his return in such an important game.

Gisborne sits undefeated on top of the ladder, while Golden Square is third, with just one loss.

“Obviously, there is a decent rivalry there, and we have played them a lot in finals over the years,” Saunders said.

“It’s just good to come back in an intense game.”

While Saunders returns, in-form on-baller Casey Summerfield is out.

Golden Square also has a significant inclusion for the much-anticipated match.

Veteran Nick Carter returns to the senior side from a knee injury.

Carter hasn’t played a senior game since the season-opener against Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park on April 4 when he kicked five goals.

At South Bendigo, the Bloods have included former Bendigo Braves basketballer Sam Fotu for their game against Maryborough at Princes Park.

Also among the inclusions for the Bloods are coach Rick Coburn, Brady Childs and Dujon Fuzzard.