Franjic has myocarditis, a condition that disrupts sleep with chest and heart pain which led to the right-back spending six days in hospital when diagnosed in August. 

It was just the latest in a number of setbacks the Socceroo has suffered over the past few years including a hamstring tear which ended his first and only World Cup game against Chile in Brazil 2014.

The issue also led to a quiet stint in Russia for Torpedo Moscow in 2014/15 and soft-tissue injuries throughout 2015.

But things are starting to look positive after he featured in the final three minutes of the FFA Cup 2-0 semi-final win over Melbourne Victory last month.

He also played the final five minutes in last week’s 1-0 loss to former club Brisbane Roar.

And with City looking to bounce back against Newcastle on Thursday night at AAMI Park, Franjic is ready to contribute for 90 minutes.

Franjic said he was happy to be back and firing after a testing couple of years. 

“It’s something at the time was very frustrating, disappointing and I didn’t know if I was ever going to play this beautiful game again,” Franjic admitted.

“I’m very lucky these guys have given me this opportunity to play football again and I can’t wait to get it back out there and play.

“I was coming back from good conditioning into pre-season and just to get a set-back like that is something I never expected. It just shows you can’t take anything for granted in life because it can happen at any time.

“The heart specialist said it’s all clear, so I have to get a check-up here and there to make sure in the future.”

The Socceroos right-back position is still yet to be permanently filled by coach Ange Postecoglou.

Franjic said he was “definitely” keen on getting back into the national team with his inclusion at City potentially forcing Manny Muscat to compete for the right-back position.

“Definitely something I enjoy (playing football), obviously I’m getting old and it’s something I love doing,” he said.

“I love getting out there playing football and to be a part of these boys, it’s very exciting. We’ve got a great partnership.

“I’m a positive person, I really like to remain positive. I’m back now, worked hard, we’ve got a great team at the back, physio, sport scientists have got me into great shape and I’m raring to go.

“I’m always an ambitious person, most importantly I’ll get back playing for Melbourne City, playing well and then anything can happen.”

This weekend's fixture marks the Remembrance Round which is part of The Poppy Appeal and raises funds for current and former serving members of the Australian and Allied defence forces and their dependents. 

Each club will have a poppy on its jersey to signify the round.

"It’s very important, I’ve seen in England over the weekend, remembrance day is an important day to acknowledge people who fought for our country,” Franjic said.

“It’s great to have a round here to recognise these soldiers.”