SATURDAY marked a successful return to action for Carlton defender Sam Rowe.

After nearly 11 months out following a ruptured ACL, Rowe returned for the Northern Blues in their final practice match against VFL reigning premier Port Melbourne.

Stationed permanently in the back half, Rowe collected 12 disposals and emerged unscathed from a hard-hitting contest against the Borough.

While the Blues ultimately went down by 31 points, it was a welcomed sight for Blues fans to see the 30-year-old back in action.

“It was just great to get back out there again, playing footy with the boys,” Rowe said.

“The knee feels really good, I pulled up perfectly.

“Getting into that competitive side of footy again, having that contest against other bodies - it was exciting.”

One of a dozen Carlton-listed players in the side, Rowe defended strongly as Northern’s opponents dictated the play for the majority of the game.

The key defender said he felt as though he worked into the game and was pleased with the way he settled in the contest.

“Port Melbourne are a great, physical side, so it was good to have a game first-up against them,” Rowe said.

“Body-wise, I felt really good — I thought I got into some good spots, my touch was a bit scratchy but that’ll come.

“I was happy I got myself in good positions. I’ll work on the touch side of things over the next period of time but all-in-all, I was happy.”



Sam Rowe gets in the thick of the action during his return. (Photo: Mozzed Video and Photography)

One person who was thrilled to see the Blues big man out on the park was Northern senior coach Josh Fraser.

Fraser said seeing Rowe return to action on Saturday morning at Craigieburn had given everybody associated with the club a lift.

“‘Rowey’ is just a great story. I think everyone connected to Carlton and the Northern Blues loves him, because of his character and the effort he brings,” Rowe said.

“He’s missed so much footy but he led the way in the effort stakes on Saturday and we were really pleased to see him get through.”

Saturday provided the final chance for the Blues to iron out the cobwebs, with a lengthy pre-season coming to an end.

Their VFL season gets underway this weekend when they host Collingwood at Preston City Oval on Saturday afternoon from 2pm.