506 days have passed since Charlie Comben last played an official match, but the 19-year-old couldn’t have impressed more in Saturday’s scratch match.

The developing key-forward was scheduled to play a half, but the coaches must have been tempted to keep him on longer, after he piled four goals in the first two quarters.

North Melbourne combined with Essendon to take on the Brisbane Lions at Yeronga, with team “Victoria” 46-point winners.

But Comben’s performance was the story of the day.

Midway through the opening quarter, the 200-centimetre big man ran down Brisbane forward Callum Ah Chee with a brilliant tackle, earning a holding the ball free kick and subsequent goal.

He grew in confidence from there, having a total of seven shots on goal in little more than 45 minutes of game time.

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Charlie Comben kicks four in a half (July 17, 2021)

Charlie Comben pulls on the blue and white stripes for the first time in 18 months and kicks four goals in the first half in a VFL scratch match in Brisbane.

While Comben was the standout, there were solid performances from several Roos.

Returning from a hamstring injury, Phoenix Spicer was influential, particularly late in the game.

The 19-year-old found plenty of the footy, with precision ball-use through the corridor on several occasions.

Aiden Bonar made a welcome return from an ankle injury and was busy in the back half throughout the day, while Tom Campbell was the dominant ruckman on the ground, pushing forward late in the game to have an impact in the air.