GAB Colvin has officially made her return to AFLW, helping her side to 49-point win over Geelong on Thursday night.

It had been 537 days since the defender last featured in Melbourne’s final 21, having previously played during the season six grand final in April of 2022.

Colvin’s long-term sidelining came after she was struck down with a devastating blow in June of 2022, rupturing her ACL in pre-season.  

She’s spent the past 15 months working hard through a gruelling rehab schedule to get back to her best.

And this hard work officially paid off in Round 5, with the powerful defender marking her return from injury on Thursday night at GMHBA Stadium. 

“There’s no better feeling than being back out there with this crew,” Colvin said following the win.

Though it was a successful night for the Dees, the lead up to the match was particularly stressful for Colvin, her nerves at an all-time high after her extended time on the sidelines. 

But she had a strategy – with a number of distractions settling the pre-game jitters.

“I worked this morning, which was actually a good distraction,” Colvin said.

“I was very nervous on the drive here, but luckily the traffic was also a good distraction.

“The nerves were insane, it felt like I was playing in a grand final, but they were absolutely worth it.”

With a long rehab schedule now behind her, Colvin highlighted her gratitude for the people around her, in particular the support from Melbourne teammates. 

“The girls really helped me a lot today,” Colvin said.

“They were amazing, the talk and connection really helped me get through today.

“I’m very lucky to have them all by my side.”