JACK Trengove says it was great to run out in the red and blue jumper again, even though his remarkable comeback from a career-threatening foot injury ended with an 18-point loss against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.

Trengove, who had 19 disposals in his first AFL match since round two, 2014, said he was rapt to be back playing, but disappointed not to cap it off with a win over Hawthorn.

“It was a big day and unfortunately we couldn’t quite get there in the end, but there were plenty of positives to take out of it,” he told Melbourne TV.

“We worked really hard for three quarters and we were right in the game and showed that we could take on arguably the best side in the comp and they have been for a while.

“From that point of view, it was really encouraging, but there is plenty still to learn and plenty to improve, and it was just great to be back out there on the ‘G.”

But Trengove said to be so close to Hawthorn and not prevail was trying.

“You have to be frustrated,” he said.

“We showed that we can take it [up] to a great team and we couldn’t quite finish it off, so from that regard, it’s really disappointing.

“There are encouraging signs as well … we won contested possessions on the inside, which is great, because that’s what we really want to pride ourselves on. But other aspects of the game, we couldn’t quite finish off and we had a couple of key errors, which review and make sure we’re better for.

“All in all, it was pretty disappointing, but encouraging at the same time.”