The festive break may be over for another year but Father Christmas has one last gift for Crows fans - an exciting defender back on the training track.  

Wayne Milera spent almost two years away from the game, after an injury in 2020 kept him to just two games. 

Milera then suffered ruptured his patella tendon during a trial game last year in a season-ending blow. 

But the 24-year-old has come back for preseason 2022 ready to crack in. 

Speaking to the media on Monday, Crows Head of Football Adam Kelly said Milera’s return had put a smile on the faces of those at the Club. 

“It’s been great to have him back within the main group… as you’d imagine with effectively two years away from the game he’s had some significant challenges,” Kelly said. 

“Wayne’s a much-loved, respected member of our group and obviously highly talented.

“We’re just so pleased that he’s out there with the playing group at the moment and going well, it puts a smile on our faces to see him out there.”

While it will be a cautious lead-up to season 2022 for Milera, Kelly said the defender was raring to get back on the ground. 

“We’ll start cautiously because he’s had such a long way away from football,” Kelly said. 

“But we cross our fingers every day that he gets through another session and gets one step closer to making his way back onto the field.

“(We hope) all goes well for him throughout season 2022 because our fans and supporters love nothing more than seeing Wayne out there.”