IT WAS a tough day at the office for Melbourne forward Ricky Petterd on Sunday with the 22-year-old forced to watch most of the game from the sidelines after being named the Demons' inaugural substitute.

After missing most of last season with a shoulder injury Petterd admitted he was unsure how to prepare for the role when coach Dean Bailey on Friday told him he would be the substitute.

"Honestly it was disappointing," Petterd told afl.com.au.

"But again I'm just happy to play football. I haven't been out there for a long time and I was just really happy to get another opportunity. Unfortunately we didn't come away with the win."

Petterd spent an agonising three quarters on the bench watching his side battle the Sydney Swans before Bailey unleashed him in the final term.

Itching to get out there, Petterd made an immediate impact at centre half-forward, earning a free kick in the first minute and delivering to teammate Lynden Dunn who goaled and cut the Swans' lead to eight-points.

A minute later Petterd marked just on 50 but his shot at goal just missed to the left. He finished with six touches for his one-quarter effort with four mark and two score assists.

"There wasn't a lot of goals kicked early which was a bit disappointing but sitting there from the start of the game, I just really wanted to get out there and was lucky enough in the last quarter I got the chance," Petterd said.

"I was probably a bit fresher than everyone else was so I had to get on my bike. I knew I had to have an impact, I just wish I'd kicked a goal."

After the game Petterd found himself back on the MCG with fitness staff, who put him through some extra paces to maintain his match fitness.

"I kept the boots on and went for a run out with the fitness staff," Petterd said.

"I ended up doing about 2.5kms in sprints and shuffles. So all up I probably ended up playing about a half with the running involved. I might even do a bit more tomorrow just to top it off but I'll be fresh that's for sure."