Brent Harvey returned to local footy, kicking seven goals in North Heidelberg’s win

Returning to the field after 15 months out, Brent Harvey made a magical return for North Heidelberg, booting seven goals in a thrilling come-from-behind win.

Brent Harvey on the run for North Heidelberg.

To paraphrase an old saying … injury is temporary, class is permanent.

Almost 15 months after shattering his leg in Round 1 last season, Brent Harvey made a triumphant return to the football field on Saturday.

The Australian Football Hall of Famer booted seven goals as North Heidelberg came from behind to defeat NFNL Division 1 rival Greensborough by 16 points.

In an extraordinary display of goalkicking, the Bulldogs stormed home to win 18.2 (110) to 14.10 (94) at War Memorial Reserve.

Harvey was nigh unstoppable, showing no sign of rust in his comeback game.

The AFL/VFL games record holder remained modest after his performance.

“It was good to be back out there again,” Harvey said.

“I just enjoyed having a kick with my mates.

“Most importantly, it was a good win for the team.”

Harvey broke his leg in April last year and had hinted at a possible comeback this season.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure how that (a return) all looks at the minute. Having 12 months off of footy has made me realise how much I do love the game,” Harvey said in February.

“I do have a saying I like to go by which is ‘never say never’ so we might stick with that. I know there’ll be opportunities for me to play games here and there so we’ll see what happens.”

His magical return couldn’t have come at a better time for North Heidelberg with its finals hopes on the line.

Brent Harvey is stretchered off the field after breaking his leg last year. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Bulldogs had trailed all day after Greensborough burst out of the blocks with a six-goal opening term, taking a 25-point lead at quarter-time.

However, the visitors slowly worked their way back into the contest.

The margin was 17 points at half-time and back to a single kick at the final change.

Led by Harvey and league-leading goalkicker Parker Harvey (three goals), North had a near-perfect 90 per cent success rate in front of goals.

In stark contrast, Greensborough will rue a number of missed chances as it went down despite having four more scoring shots.

Star midfielder Liam Hunt was named best-on-ground in the victory, while Brodie White, Brody Bell and – in just his second senior game – Jack Magann also impressed.

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For Greensborough, Ben Fisher, skipper Jack Johnston, Brody Glenn (three goals) and James McCubbin stood tall.

The result, combined with Hurstbridge’s shock loss to Bundoora, sees North Heidelberg join a four-way for fourth.

The Bulldogs remain sixth on percentage but are now level on points with Montmorency, Greensborough and the Bridges.

They have the chance to climb back into the top-five when they face the Bulls at Yulong Reserve on Saturday before a date with last-placed Macleod the following week.