Draftee Joel Crocker is feeling a little sore and worse for wear after his long-awaited return to competitive football on Saturday, but it’s a feeling that he wouldn’t trade for the world.

Crocker, who missed much of his draft year with a serious ankle injury, featured for North Melbourne’s VFL side in its practice match against Williamstown on the weekend.

“Yeah I’ve been a bit sore after Saturday,” Crocker told North Media.

“I haven’t had that feeling in a couple of years, but it’s a good feeling to have.”

Taken at pick 69 in last year’s National Draft, Crocker was pleased to get through the hit-out unscathed, and hopes he can continue to build into the season proper.

“It was good to finally get out there after a long time in rehab and a long pre-season, but it was good to just get through the game without any injuries, because I haven’t had that for a while,” he said.

“I played 50 per cent of the game on the weekend, so I’ll look to play about three quarters this week and then hopefully be ready to play a full game come Round 1.”

A lifelong North fan, the 18-year-old was ecstatic about the opportunity to don the royal blue and white stripes for the first time against genuine opposition.

“It was a big privilege to run out with the jumper on for the first time,” Crocker added.

“It was sort of what I was expecting, but I’ve never really played against men before, so the VFL is a bit of a step up for me from the TAC Cup and school footy.”

VFL coach David Loader says that while Crocker only managed one half of football, he made a positive impact and showed glimpses of what he’s capable of.

“It was great to see Joel play at the club, and he’s another one that has come back from a long term injury, so it was really good to see him get through,” Loader said.

“He got his hands on the ball quite a bit for a player playing his first game.

“He had a great first half, and there will be a lot of learnings coming out of what he did on the weekend.”