After 393 days out of the NEAFL, Andrew Swan made a successful return from his ACL injury in Saturday's thrilling draw with Sydney University at Phillip Oval.
The former Queanbeyan Tiger took the field for the first time in over a year on Saturday afternoon, gathering 20 disposals, four tackles and two goals in the 15.13 (103) to 15.13 (103) result.
Swan, who ruptured his anterior crucial ligament in Round 11 of the 2018 season, said it was a relief to finally make his long-awaited return.
"It's always nice to get the first one out of the way," Swan told canberrademons.com.au.
"Having already played two games for Queanbeyan I wasn't that nervous, plus it was a big game for us to bounce back so I was just focusing on that."
Swan played the majority of the match up forward, looking right at home with an impressive goal from the boundary late in the fourth quarter.
"I think I surprised myself with that goal," he said.
"I was just soaking up a bit of the clock and tired to put it towards the goals as best I could."
The 26-year-old said while there’s improvement to be had, he was overall pleased to get through the game unscathed.
"My body pulled up pretty well just general soreness, it was a tough game but I was pleased to get through it."
Canberra clash with Redland this Saturday afternoon at Manuka Oval with the first bounce scheduled for 12pm AEST.