Sam Naismith says he is "looking ahead" after making his long awaited return for the Sydney Swans in their 33-point VFL win over Collingwood on Saturday.
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The Gunnedah product hadn't pulled on the red and white since rupturing his ACL in his comeback game - after two years on the sidelines - last June.
He told Swans media he "absolutely loved it" being back out there.
"The last little while has been challenging but to come out here and pump these boys it's been great," he said.
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"Having the support around me has been great and just made me realise how much I missed footy and love it".
Naismith was introduced into the game in the second half and the ruckman wasted no time getting stuck into the action, winning the first centre bounce and involving himself in the contest (midway through the final term he had 15 hit-outs).
From there it was all Sydney in the final term, the Swans powering home to defeat the Magpies 12.14.86 to 8.5.53.
"It was a bit surreal watching the boys run out in my warm-up gear and ready to go," Naismith said.
"Last time I was out here it was an unfortunate night but I've got all of that behind me now so I'm just looking ahead, and hopefully build on that and see what happens."
The 28-year old has endured a horror run with injuries being restricted to just two AFL games since the end of the 2017 season.
Swans coach John Longmire said it was great to see the former Bulldog back.
"He played well, felt good about himself and had a real smile on his face today," he said.
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