After several weeks on the sidelines, Daniel Currie and Kieran Harper have both made successful returns from injury, and to the delight of many North Melbourne supporters the pair are looking forward to a big second half of the year.  

Currie missed five weeks after injuring his right thumb playing for Werribee in early May, and the ruckman was rapt to take his place in the ruck on Saturday.

“It was good to get back into it and be a part of a winning game,” Currie told NMFC.com.au.

“It was five weeks out but I was lucky I only ended up missing three VFL games because of the bye and the Foxtel Cup.

“It was nice to blow the cobwebs out because you can be a bit rusty after missing a few games, but I was really pleased to get through and be able to build on that for next week.”

With 45 hit-outs to his name, Currie was quick to put himself in the mix for senior selection again, but he almost didn’t play.

“It was still a bit unknown as to whether I was going to be playing or not until the Friday before the game when I got the all-clear. Once I got over the final tackling and marking test (at training), it was good to know that I was able to play,” Currie said.

“Once I had the go-ahead from the medical staff I was confident going into the game that I could have an impact and contribute and didn’t need to worry about the injury.”

Harper admits his first game back was less about the physical challenge and more about getting his confidence back in the ankle that saw him sidelined for three weeks.

“It was more of a mental battle trying to put it behind me and trying to get the demons out of my head that the injury was still there,” he said.  

With 17 disposals and a goal, the classy small-forward did plenty to allay his fears.

“I pulled up fine after the game and probably felt even better afterwards than I felt beforehand. It was good to get a bit of game-time and match fitness which is hard after missing three weeks of footy.”

The ankle injury limited Harper’s ability to maintain his fitness throughout his rehabilitation, but the number 23 is determined to force his way back.  

“My energy levels were through the roof because I was so happy to be back out there, but the hardest thing was probably just keeping up with the other guys,” he added.  

“It was good I didn’t lack any energy but it was a bit tough just trying to keep up with the other blokes after losing some of my match fitness since the ankle. I just need to keep building up my confidence and then I can get back to 100 per cent fitness again.”

Not only was Harper delighted to make his return to football, he also had more reason to celebrate on his 21st birthday.

“It was a really good day... I had to rush back home from Bendigo to my 21st, but it was well worth it to be back out there playing again.

“Then I was able to spend the night surrounded by my family and friends which was nice.”