Tearing his ACL 279 days ago and still winning the Peter Hudson goalkicking award, Riley wasn't originally named in Launceston's side but was announced through their social media channels.

The dominant forward completed his 2km time trial on Wednesday, something described as "a minimum for senior selection" by coach Mitch Thorp.

"He's one of the stars of the competition, the comp is better for him being out there," Thorp said.

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"On a personal level as a friend, I've watched him over 10 months have some ups and downs like anyone with a long-term injury and to watch him run his 2km [time trial] with some real intent to want to play on Friday speaks volumes to what this game means to some of our players."

The injury occurred in a Northern derby at Windsor Park last season.

The two sides will meet for the Phil Edwards Cup, which will be contested over the under-18s, development league and seniors.

With Thorp and Riley playing together at South Launceston, Devonport and Launceston, the pair have formed a strong relationship in the past decade.

"Dyl's been a super talented kid over a long period of time and this has been his first long-term injury and initially it was quite challenging for him.

"Zac Young, our physio, has done a wonderful job with him privately, just on the little things you have to tick off with an ACL recovery, so he's been really diligent.

"He's got back probably a fraction earlier than we thought, 10 and a half months is probably a little earlier than we thought, but that doesn't surprise me with Dyl."

Riley had played two development league games prior to returning to seniors, kicking seven goals in his first game.

He replaces Connor Riethoff in the playing line-up.