HE may have spent most of his debut AFL season sidelined with injury but as far as Gold Coast Suns’ Jarrod Garlett is concerned he couldn’t be in a better position.

Garlett will play his first game since injuring his ankle against the Brisbane Lions in Round 5 on May 2 when he takes to the field for the Suns NEAFL side at Metricon Stadium today.

“I’m really excited to come back,” Garlett said. “I’ve just been itching to get out there and watching the boys play every weekend made me want to work hard to get out there quicker.”

The injury halted an incredible start to the 18-year-old’s AFL career with Garlett showing the electric style of play which motivated the Suns to take the Western Australian with the 15 pick in last year’s draft.

Garlett showed plenty of his ability during his opening games and his early feats included a goal of the year nomination.

Originally ruled out for the season, Garlett has defied the odds to make his return with six games left and the forward will return a different player.

It won’t be the lightweight 64kg shy teenager who first arrived at the club.

Rather, a bulked-up 75kg Garlett is ready for the physicality of AFL football.

Garlett said the time off only fast-tracked his physical development which will now match his engine.

“I actually feel a lot more confident than I was when I first came in,” Garlett said.

“I feel a lot better, stronger and more ready to come in and start playing this time.

“I think I’ll be able to make more of an impact when I come back to the AFL.”

“It was probably a good thing because it gave me a chance to build up and put a bit more weight on.

“It has given me a headstart on most of the other boys.”

Garlett was forced to watch from the sideline for the past 11 games as fellow debutants Touk Miller and Adam Saad, both Rising Star nominees, shone on the biggest stage.

Garlett admitted to some homesickness while out injured and how a trip home and guidance from captain Gary Ablett put him in the right head space to make his recovery.

“Going back home helped a lot, especially during the injury because I was out for a long time,” Garlett said.

Suns head physiotherapist Adam Russell said Garlett’s return ahead of schedule was the product of his diligence while working with rehabilitation co-ordinator Cameron Ferguson and physiotherapist Daniel Jones.

“He knuckled down and did everything asked of him and now he is reaping the rewards,” Russell told the Bulletin.