After initially deciding to have a season ending surgery earlier this week, Jarrad Waite made a surprise return to action in the VFL Preliminary Final.

Waite was a surprise inclusion in the Northern Bullants team at TEAC Oval as the Bullants played the undefeated Port Melbourne for a place in next weekend’s VFL Grand Final.

Waite met with medical staff on Thursday and there were positive signs that he was overcoming his hip injury and surgery may not be required.

A training session with the Bullants at Visy Park on Friday night was the key to his return. Waite pulled up well from the training session and on Saturday morning he was given the all clear from the medical team to play.