Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott has made a successful return from injury via the VFL on Saturday.
The 24-year-old, who did not play a single game in 2016 due to a back injury, suffered an ankle injury at training in February, further setting back his return.
In his first game in almost 18 months, Elliot kicked five goals and played out the entire match for Collingwood's VFL side in a practice match against North Ballarat.
"The way he moved (he) looked really sharp and confident in himself, and that was the most important thing, to get through today," VFL Magpies assistant coach Brad Gotch said.
"We've seen those signs on the training track in the last week or two but we didn't want to risk him in the big (AFL) game first up. He's done enough to suggest that he's in good form.
"He said he feels pretty good. I just had a quick chat to him โฆ and he's pulled up really well."
