Nathan Vardy will return for the Cats on Saturday night against the Saints. Here is how his career has panned out so far.

2009

Selected with pick 42 in the 2009 National Draft from the Gippsland U18s after averaging 18 hitouts a game in the TAC Cup and representing Vic Country.

2010

Plays 17 VFL games for the Cats and boots 16 goals.

2011

Debuts against Carlton in round nine. Plays nine AFL games but a hip injury ends his season prematurely.

2012

Spends most of the season trying to overcome hip issues. Finally makes his AFL return in round 23 against Sydney and boots a goal. Plays in the Cats elimination final loss to Fremantle the next week.

2013

Is handed the no. 30 jumper by Matthew Scarlett in a show of his faith in the youngster. Vardy makes his season debut in round 10 against the Gold Coast Suns and boots four goals. Goes on to play another nine games for the season including the Cats three finals that year. Finishes season with 11 goals and averages 11 hitouts a game.

2014

Plays the Cats first NAB Challenge game before rupturing his ACL landing awkwardly at training. Undergoes traditional knee operation.

2015

His return to playing is delayed after a training mishap requiring additional surgeries on his knee. Makes VFL return against Essendon on July 25 booting two goals. Plays next three VFL clashes and in his first game back in the ruck registers 18 hitouts, 10 disposals and four marks.

Selected for the round 21 clash with St Kilda.