After exactly 12 weeks on the sidelines, Jed Anderson made a successful return to football via the VFL on Saturday.

While a return from a long-term injury is tough, the task was made even tougher for Anderson who played his first game for Werribee.

“I was pretty nervous at the start,” Anderson admitted to NMFC.com.au post-match.

“I had to meet all the new guys and play with them all out there today.”

In a new environment, the instructions to the small forward at Avalon Airport Oval were simple.

“It was just to play my role and play naturally – get up the ground and get back.

“I thought I did that well, got to the contest a bit and managed to get my hands on the footy.”

After getting through the first few minutes of the game, Anderson was able to build into the clash.

“Coming into the game, I felt pretty confident, even though you never know what’s going to happen.

“I was blowing up in the first quarter and first five minutes, but we expected that. I felt good out there, my hammy got through and it was a good run in the end, which is a credit to the fitness staff.”

“I got confident in the second half and that really set me up for the game.”

The 21-year-old’s tackling pressure was on show in his customary position. Able to harass the Essendon defenders and force turnovers, he played a large part in establishing Werribee’s first half lead.

For Anderson, the next step is improving when he does gain possession.

“My pressure was good, but I was a bit fumbly. After three months out that tends to happen, but hopefully I can take it into next week and be a bit cleaner, hopefully the conditions are better and it’s not raining or wet.

With seven days to rest up and prepare for his next VFL match, it’s finally back into the weekly routine.

“I just wanted to get out there today and have my voice around the contest and set the guys up.

“Now it’s about recovering well, going through the review of the game and taking it into next week.”