Shane Mumford will make a return to the AFL in 2019, with GWS confirming he will be rookie listed with the Giants.
The 32-year-old retired in 2017, but expressed interest in making a playing return last month.
GWS were keen to again link up with Mumford, who played 72 games for the club between 2014 and 2017.
Mumford officially re-joined the club when the supplemental selection period opened on Saturday.
“I can’t wait to get back out there next season,” Mumford said.
“After medical advice said playing last year would be detrimental to my long-term future, I threw myself into my role as a ruck coach while training and keeping fit for a potential boxing career.
“My body responded really well to the break and I’m feeling as fit as I ever have been previously.
“Still being involved in the club allowed me to continue to work in football and when the discussion came up about a potential return, I jumped at it.
“12 months has passed but I feel really confident I can contribute on the field to the GIANTS’ side in 2019.”
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Under the new rookie-list replacement rules, clubs can sign players as cover for injuries and retirements.
GWS coach Leon Cameron told media on Friday of his excitement to welcome back the premiership-winning ruckman, but understood the risk the club was taking.
"I think it really is a calculated risk, because we've done all the research with him and lots of conversations," Cameron said.
"I'm confident it's going to turn out to be a really good story for him."
Coach @GWSLeon has confirmed the GIANTS will re-list Shane Mumford in the new pre-season supplemental selection period.#BeGIANT pic.twitter.com/0PbUgZ5zZy
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) November 30, 2018
The risk element is two-fold - on one side, such was the severity of Mumford's foot injury, that he revealed he gave the game away to avoid permanent damage.
On the other, is a question of disclipline - just after Mumford annouced his plans to return, a three-year-old video emerged, which revealed the ruckman snorting a white powder.
GWS issued Mumford with a $25,000 fine, as well as a two-match suspension should he return to the club.
As such, the earliest he can return would be GWS' round three clash against Richmond.
However, Cameron remained confident Mumford would be ready to go, despite the turbulence.
"I'm a believer of second chances and guys make mistakes in life. Shane made a really big one," Cameron said.
"We'll work with him closely to make sure he makes better decisions.
"He's determined to make the wrongs right and we'll be there to help him through that.
"It's a wonderful story, it's an interesting story, and no doubt plenty is going to be written about it."
