The two-time Saints premiership player, who is returning to the Hampden league club after two years away, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament last year and had it repaired earlier this year.

McIntyre, 30, has overcome knee complaints in the past.

Injury restricted McIntyre to nine matches for Barwon Heads in 2019.

He would have missed this season with the injury, with or without the coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

"I will be no dramas to go at the start of the season next year no problem," McIntyre said.

"The good thing is because I have had two (ACL surgeries) on my right, I had a patella tendon graft this time so in terms of recovery it's a little bit smoother.

"I didn't do any meniscus or cartilage damage, it was just a straight ACL which is a lot better too with the recovery.

"The body has freshened up again too which has been good."

McIntyre felt the time was right to return to Koroit.

The match-winning forward will travel from Geelong each week to play for the Saints.

"I have a lot of friendships and I still keep in contact with a lot of people back there," McIntyre said.

"It's hard to describe but once you've won a couple of flags and just the feeling you have with people involved - players, coaching staff and supporters.

"With the list they have still got and still being able to challenge at the top of the ladder, it was too good an opportunity (to pass up)."

McIntyre is also excited to play alongside brothers Ben and Sam Dobson who returned to the club after his original stint.

"I am looking forward to that and reuniting with all the blokes I have got some good memories with," he said.

"I love playing under Chris (McLaren) and he's a really close mate.

"I am not getting any younger and I guess the reason I am coming back is the people I have missed being involved with."