Despite some big hits, Lachlan Hansen has emerged relatively unscathed after his first competitive hit-out since round 23 last year.

The North defender returned to football with Werribee in the VFL on Saturday and helped the side overcome North Ballarat in constant rain.

The 26-year-old had surgery on both hips at the conclusion of last season and said he enjoyed being involved in the bruising encounter at Avalon Airport Oval in Werribee.

“It was just good to be back out on the park. I didn’t get a lot if it (the football) but you know, it was nice and wet and cold but good to be running around and getting a few collisions here and there and to have a win was really good,” Hansen told NMFC.com.au.

With his game-time closely managed, Hansen sat out the entire first quarter before getting into the thick of the action with several collisions and a courageous attempted mark running back with the flight of the ball.

Several players ended up hitting the deck after the impact and Hansen went straight to the sidelines looking a little worse for wear.

“I just got a bit of the wind taken out of me…it was good just to get back, hitting bodies and getting back into collisions. I’ll be nice and sore, it was good to be back out there and I’ll build from here.”

Albeit a little rusty, Hansen said he felt much better for the run and took a lot of confidence out of the match.

“Got my hands on a lot of the ball but didn’t stick too many today but hopefully in nice dry weather I would have.”

A vital component of North’s back six, Hansen’s return to the AFL will be a big boost for Brad Scott and the Kangaroos.

If he had the choice, that comeback would be at Etihad Stadium next week when North takes on Hawthorn in a blockbuster on Saturday night.

“That’s my conditions so I’ll be pressing my case for that one but if not, I’ll be happy to play (here).”