Young Carlton defender Cameron Giles made his long-awaited return from injury on Sunday.
 
Giles played half a game for the development team ahead of the Northern Blues match at Ikon Park
 
The 20-year-old has been on a long road to recovery after multiple operations to repair a stress fracture in his foot.  
 
Speaking after his first match in 17 months, Giles was rapt to be back.
 
“It was really good to get out there and have a run around again,” he said.

“It was good to get through unscathed and the foot is really good.
 
“The match fitness isn’t there yet, but hopefully over the next two games I will build on that and then build into pre-season.”
 
The Northern Blues have two games remaining this season, starting with a Round 19 encounter with the Box Hill Hawks at Preston City Oval on Saturday.
 
Giles is hopeful of taking the next step and getting some game time at VFL level before the season is through.