Nathan Freeman makes successful return for Sandringham, Aaron Francis plays full game for Essendon

INJURY-cursed Saint Nathan Freeman has made an emphatic return to action for Sandringham. Elsewhere, Essendon defender Aaron Francis was relieved to get through his first full match and Orazio Fantasia showed he is ready for senior action.

Orazio Fantasia is ready for a senior return. Picture: Getty Images

NATHAN Freeman made a successful return to football on Saturday, running out a full game for Sandringham against Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill City Oval.

While Freeman’s VFL Zebras suffered a heavy defeat, 18.11 (119) to 8.7 (55), the 2013 No.10 draft pick collected 31 disposals and laid four tackles.

Freeman, 22, hasn’t played a senior AFL game to date and was returning from another hamstring injury.

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“It took me a while to build into the game, obviously being out for such a long time, but it’s just good fun getting out there with the boys again,” Freeman said.

“I just went out there, played my natural game and had a bit of fun, but it was disappointing not to get the win.

“I felt like the fitness staff and everyone had prepared me so well with my training loads that I didn’t really have any worries coming into the game.

Nathan Freeman in action for Sandringham last year. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“I actually didn’t feel like I got that much (of the footy). I felt quite rusty and blew up just after halftime, but it felt good to be out there and it’s another step.”

Meanwhile, Essendon defender Aaron Francis was relieved to get through his first full match in the VFL.

Francis, who returned from personal leave in March, looked imposing across half-back in the Bombers’ VFL win over North Melbourne.

While Francis, 20, didn’t have a heap of the ball — eight disposals — his marking and positioning is what will please John Worsfold and the Essendon coaching staff the most.

He finished with five marks and popped up for a goal as he formed a formidable partnership with Michael Hartley.

“It was good to finally get back out there and play a full game,” Francis said.

Aaron Francis played a full game in the VFL. Picture: Jason Edwards

“I cramped up a bit in the third quarter and tried to manage that over the last half, but the body is feeling a lot better than it did last year and the year before that.

“I have to get through some VFL games and really show to the coaches and the players my level of intensity, structurally setting up well and just playing my role for the team.”

Orazio Fantasia looked at his dynamic best as he played the second half.

Fantasia’s season has been interrupted by knee surgery and a groin injury, but he showed he is ready for senior action as he helped the Bombers to a 19.19 (133) to 10.7 (67) win.

The man affectionately known as “razzle dazzle” finished with ten disposals, four tackles and 1.2, as well as dishing off a number of assists.

Dylan Clarke, 30 disposals, Jake Long and Kyle Langford, 25 disposals, and Mason Redman, 24 disposals, were all among the best for the Bombers.

Originally published as Nathan Freeman makes successful return for Sandringham, Aaron Francis plays full game for Essendon