Adelaide utility Wayne Milera has returned to full training after missing the 2021 season due to a knee injury.

Milera ruptured his patella tendon during a trial game against Port Adelaide in February and had been in the rehab group since undergoing surgery on his left knee.

The 24-year-old took part in training with the Crows’ full squad on Wednesday morning as he continued to take positive steps towards recovering from the injury.

Speaking to AFC Media after the session, Milera said his knee was feeling good.

“It was good to be back with the boys and the boys got around me a little bit,” Milera said.

“Today we played a bit of handball games and kicking games, so it was a lot more of a footy focus.

“I didn’t have any real nerves and I’m pretty confident the knee is in really good shape and the moment and all the rehab I’ve been doing has prepared me to be able to train.”

Adelaide’s players are set to enjoy a few weeks off as part of the Christmas break from Monday.

Milera was looking forward to spending some time with his young family before getting stuck into pre-season training again.

“It’ll be my son’s (Carter’s) first Christmas, so I’m looking forward to seeing him rip open a few presents,” Milera said.

“We will have Christmas Day in Adelaide and then we normally drive up to Port Augusta late in the afternoon.

“We’ll spend a few days there before New Years and then we’ll come back.

“When we come back (from Christmas break) it’s just a matter of building to make sure it’s (the knee) is really strong.

“The high performance staff, physios and doctors are really confident with how I’m going and I am confident I can work through January and February to get ready."