The comebacks of two important Kangaroos took place in the VFL on Saturday, with Taylor Garner and Lachie Hansen emerging unscathed from their hit-out at Avalon Airport Oval.

Hansen was particularly impressive, as one of Werribee’s best for the afternoon. For the defender, he was just happy to be in action once more.

“It was definitely good to be back out there and back playing with the boys,” Hansen told NMFC.com.au after the match.

“I woke up hoping it was a nice sunny day, but it was a bit rainy.

“The ball was still a bit sticky and I was able to take a couple of marks and work on the spoiling as well.

“Overall it wasn’t too bad a game.”

There was concern for Hansen in the first half though when he was involved in several collisions either backing back with the flight of the ball or floating across the front of a pack to take his trademark intercept marks.

However he was able to continue playing, showing no ill-effects.

“It was actually good to be able to get back up and it was tested out. I felt fine afterwards and it was good to get through the game. I pulled up well.

“The first one I was going back with the flight, and then little ones here and there, then I was able to play out the rest of the game knowing I’d be fine.

“It was actually good that I was able to get back up after testing it out. I felt fine afterwards, so it was good to get through the game and I’ve pulled up well.”

Heading into his return, Hansen singled out the lack of continuity in his game this season as an issue.

“Halfway through the last I had a little bit of cramp in the calves. I got that taken care of and get back out there to finish off.

“I played the four quarters today, nearly 90 per cent of game time.

“Hopefully I can build on that, get another game into me and then push for senior selection.”

Meanwhile Garner played his first game for almost two months after injuring his hamstring in Round 3 of the AFL.

The 22-year-old played his first game for Werribee after being aligned with North Ballarat in previous VFL seasons.

“It was just about going in and playing my style and not worrying about structures too much,” Garner explained.

“You do meet the (Werribee) boys as soon as you get here. You introduce yourself, they introduce themselves.

“It’s quite easy, and made easier when there’s so many North guys. Everyone just gets around each other.”

The happiness was clear to see as Garner spoke about his performance post-match and the long road back.

“It was obviously fairly frustrating, I’d had a few little setbacks and even though it was wet today it was just good to be back out there.

“It was good to get my hands on it quite early, that helped settle everything. After that it was an inside battle.

“I’m absolutely stoked to get back and get through unscathed.”