He’s officially back.

As confirmed yesterday, captain Marcus Bontempelli will return to the line-up for the first time this season in Easter Sunday night’s clash with St Kilda.

The 29-year-old needed to get through Thursday’s main training before he could be deemed available, which he did in front of adoring fans in an open training session at Mission Whitten Oval.

He is the Dogs’ only change, with James Harmes ruled out through injury.

Luke Cleary, Sam Davidson, Josh Dolan, Cooper Hynes and Ryley Sanders have been named on the bench, with one to be named the substitute an hour before the bounce.

Oskar Baker, Jedd Busslinger and Caleb Poulter are the emergencies.

The Dogs will host the Saints from 7:20pm AEST at Marvel Stadium on Easter Sunday.

The two sides will also play off for the Barker-Whitten Challenge Plate, which the Dogs currently hold following a 60-point win last year.