PRIOR to Saturday night’s clash with the Giants, Harry Petty hadn’t played an AFL game since last year’s Grand Final.

But if you were at the MCG in Round 5 you would’ve been none the wiser, as the key defender returned from his calf injury in style.

“It was good to run out there with the boys again,” Petty told Melbourne Media post-game.

“I pulled up fine – didn’t get any knocks or bruises or anything.”

Despite missing the first month of the home and away season, Petty ran out the Demons' 67-point win with ease, showing his pre-season work – despite being hindered at stages – had paid off.

“I’ve been working pretty hard in rehab on my fitness and that,” he said.

And a run in the VFL last week went a long way in helping the 22-year-old adjust to the pace of the game.

“It probably got rid of a bit of rust off me,” Petty said.

“I was a little bit nervous going into that game, but it definitely helped me perform tonight.”

Lining up alongside his premiership teammates in Steven May and Jake Lever also made the comeback easier.

The Dees' defence conceded just seven majors for the match, with Petty remaining incredibly composed in the air and at ground level.

“What we’ve got is a really good group of backs that all play a system defence,” he said.

“Me just slotting in there, I just needed to play my role for the team and it all went well.

“I just try to keep calm and just take the easy options.”

To hear more from Petty after his return, watch the interview below.