AN EMOTIONAL Christian Petracca has spoken of a mixture of relief and delight to be back playing the game he loves following an eight-month stint on the sidelines.

The four-time All Australian admitted he was nervous in his first hit-out since lacerating his spleen in last year’s King’s Birthday clash against Collingwood.  

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Practice Match | Post-match Interview | Christian Petracca

We speak to Christian Petracca post-match after his first game in 265 days.

“There was a lot of emotion before the game,” Petracca said.

“I was a bit nervous... excited. There was a bit of self-doubt - will I have an impact or whatever?

“It just goes back to enjoying the game and loving what I’m doing and looking back on the journey of nine months ago in June.”

The superstar midfielder collected 33 disposals and nine clearances in his return outing, not missing a beat as he stepped straight into the midfield to win the first clearance of the game.

An introspective Petracca was reflective as he spoke of the efforts of those around him that contributed to his return.

“Being around the boys again was just an incredible feeling,” he said.

“I’m just so grateful and appreciative of the footy club and everyone around me who supported me and helped me get back here.

“Obviously to get through this unscathed... I think, I'll enjoy this moment and soak it all in.

“I’ll message a few people say thanks for the support and everything.”

The two-time Bluey Truscott Trophy winner’s midfield exploits were matched by the resurgent Clayton Oliver who collected 28 disposals and booted three goals of his own.

Petracca was quick to credit Oliver with helping him settle into the match.

“It helps when Clarry's just taking absolute mickey too, so I can just benefit off that,” Petracca said.

“I think it was more just it felt like his first day back at school to be honest... just being back out there was just an incredible feeling.

“I felt like the first quarter I was a little bit nervous, fumbling a little bit.

“I think as the game settled in a little bit in the second and third, I felt like I got back to doing what I know I can do around the contest and things like that.”

“I'm just happy to be back.”