AFTER undergoing double shoulder surgery post the 2018 season, Clayton Oliver has been stuck in the rehab group over summer.

But on Sunday, the star midfielder finally got to make his return to competitive footy and had an immediate impact for the Dees.

“I’m pretty sick of training,” Oliver told Melbourne Media.

“I’ve been doing the whole pre-season in rehab so it’s good to get out and have a hit-out.”

The 21-year-old especially enjoyed the first JLT clash of the season against the Tigers, as he headed back to his hometown in Shepparton to play.

“It’s good to come back,” Oliver said.

“I played out here as a kid so it’s nice to come back here and play footy.”

Oliver had no trouble settling in after his stint on the sidelines, racking up 32 disposals in an impressive performance.

And while it wasn’t an easy contest, he showed no signs of slowing down this season.

“It was pretty hot early, Richmond brought it to us,” Oliver said.

“It was good to get back out there and get a game under my belt.”

In a game of momentum, the Tigers claimed a 12-point win, but Oliver just enjoyed having a run around despite the 37-degree heat.

“It was a bit hot for me being a pasty ginger, but a bit of zinc and a bit of sunscreen got me through,” he said with a laugh.

The Demons had a bit of a new-look side on the field on Sunday, with some fresh draftees pulling on the red and blue.

Braydon Preuss, Corey Wagner, Marty Hore, Tom Sparrow, Declan Keilty and James Jordon all played their first official matches in the Melbourne colours and showed some positive signs heading into the season.

“Marty Hore, Tommy Sparrow, Jimmy Jordon – there were heaps of them out there,” Oliver said.

“It was good to see the new boys coming through.”

With just one practice game remaining prior to the home and away season, Oliver is fit and ready to play again this coming Saturday.

“I definitely want to play next week,” he said.

“It should be a good hit-out at Casey against Brisbane, I can’t wait, and then hopefully Round 1.”