Koroit boom recruit Tim McIntyre to make Saints debut this Saturday

The star recruit is set to make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction when the Saints host Camperdown, following a textbook rehabilitation.

The 27-year-old said there had been “no hiccups” during his 11-month recovery and resumed full training months ago.

“It’s going to be great to get back out there,” he said.

“It’s been a long rehab, but I’ve put in all the hard work. I’ve been full-training since about the nine-month mark.”

McIntyre ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when playing for Warrnambool just two weeks out from last year’s finals series.

He crossed to Koroit in the pre-season as an assistant coach, and while he has yet to take the field, said he already feels well and truly part of the “Koroit family”.

“Obviously I haven’t been playing, but it’s felt like I’ve been playing,” he said.

“They’ve really made me feel part of it.”

McIntyre is expected to be reintroduced to the game playing predominantly forward, but will likely be given the opportunity to rotate through his usual on-ball role.

Koroit coach Adam Dowie said McIntyre’s impact at the club had been “massive” since crossing last December.

“He’s been outstanding, just working with the young players (and helping with) recovery, preparation and the fitness side of it, and conditioning,” Dowie said.

“His dedication and determination through his recovery has been pretty remarkable – he’s not put a foot wrong.”

McIntyre just has to tick off the boxes at training and he will be among a host of potential inclusions, along with Levi Nagorcka, Marcus Darmody, Taury Zimmer and Daniel Harrington, while James North is also close.

North Ballarat Rebels players James Gow and Willem Drew are expected back with a bye in the TAC Cup, while Tim McPherson will likely return through the reserves.