JAMES Strauss will play his first match since suffering a nasty broken leg against Carlton in round 20 last year.

The incident occurred after Strauss landed awkwardly following a marking contest. As a result, he required a steel rod and three pins inserted in his left leg.

Football manager Josh Mahoney said Strauss had worked hard to return from the setback.

“It’s great news that James Strauss has been able to overcome the injury that he sustained late in the season,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“He’s worked extremely hard over the pre-season in rehab, and he’s now ready to play football at Casey.”

Utility Neville Jetta will also play his first match this season, after battling a shoulder injury.

Mahoney said the club took a conservative approach with Jetta.

“Neville has been itching to play in the last three or four weeks,” Mahoney said.

“He’s been held back with contact, but he’s now at the stage where he’s ready to play games at Casey,”

Jordan Gysberts and Sam Blease, who both played in Melbourne’s win over Collingwood at Etihad Stadium last Saturday night, will play for Casey.

Youngsters Lucas Cook, Kelvin Lawrence and Jai Sheahan will also play for the Scorpions.

Casey will play the Box Hill Hawks at Casey Fields on Saturday, with the game starting at 11 am.