Jake Stringer will return to the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night as the club celebrates its 2016 premiership.
Stringer, traded to Essendon at the end of 2017 amid controversy and headlines, will attend a reunion function at the clash with the Swans at Marvel Stadium.
The fixture is favourable for Stringer's return, with his current club GWS not scheduled to play until 4.40pm on Sunday.
The man dubbed "The Package" kicked 160 goals for the Dogs in 89 games, leading the goalkicking from 2015-2017 and winning All-Australian honours in 2015.
His exit from the kennel was less than smooth, falling out of favour with Bulldogs premiership coach Luke Beveridge.
Bulldogs premiership heroes will gather at the game to support the Dogs against the Swans, with several other current players attending.
Brisbane Lion Josh Dunkley, a 2016 premiership hero who requested a trade after the 2022 season will also attend. The Lions also don't play until Sunday, at the Gabba.
Jack Macrae, now at St Kilda, and Caleb Daniel, at North Melbourne, will also join the flag heroes in gathering.
Melbourne coach Steven King, a key assistant in the Dogs' flag win, will be there along with now rival coaches Jordan Roughead (Collingwood) and Daniel Giansiracusa (Hawthorn).
