The Geelong forward will play only his third game since the 2015 elimination final when he makes his Cats debut on Friday night against GWS.

Adding lustre to the occasion, it will be his 100th senior game.

After playing in the Bulldogs' elimination final loss to Adelaide, Crameri was ruled out of their 2016 premiership season because of his Essendon anti-doping suspension.

He played the first two games last season, but then was sidelined with hip injuries that needed surgery.

The 29-year-old forward said there was a point where he feared he might not play another AFL game.

"I was doubting it last year when I was delisted," he said.

"I thought it may be all a bit too hard, but Geelong have been great.

"I've felt right at home. I'm just glad the day has come - I think I deserve it, I've done enough work and I can't wait to get out there."

Crameri is also well aware that he had landed on his feet at the Cats.

"It's a good second chance, just to try to get back to what I do best and what I love,"' he said.

One of the key reasons for Crameri's long-awaited senior recall is that fellow forward Daniel Menzel will miss a second game with groin soreness.

They are kindred AFL spirits, given Menzel's extended spell out of the game because of his shocking run of knee reconstructions.

"Dan's gotten through a lot more than me," Crameri said.

"I might be playing a similar role to him and he's good around the club, we always chat. He's a good support."

Crameri has a simple goal for Friday night - play his role for the team.

"I haven't played with these players yet, so I have to get respect from them," he said.

"If I can do a couple of other things, kick a goal or whatever, that's just a bonus - just try to do the basics really well."

Geelong will start favourites, despite their last-quarter fade out last week at home against Sydney.

The Giants are having a bad run with injury, losing Jeremy Cameron (toe) and Brett Deledio (hamstring soreness) for Friday night.

Former Collingwood player Lachie Keeffe and ex-Carlton utility Dylan Buckley will make their Giants debuts.

Keeffe, who served an anti-doping ban at Collingwood, last played in the AFL four years ago.

Cats star Gary Ablett must wait another week for his AFL return.

They recalled Scott Selwood and Zac Smith, while George Horlin-Smith is out with concussion.

James Parsons and Rhys Stanley were dropped.