West Coast Eagles forward Jack Darling was filled with both relief and excitement after making a return to football on Saturday afternoon for East Perth.

Darling was on reduced minutes, all part of his slow and steady rehabilitation program, and worked into the game finishing with five goals.

Speaking to Channel Seven after the game he said he was happy with his return after a slow start.

“I started pretty bad, I think my opponent took a few marks on me,” an honest Darling said.

“But I just worked myself into the game, found the speed of it and finished off better.

“The body is feeling really good, I’m really fresh.”

Darling, who has been sidelined since August last year with a foot injury, says it’s at times been hard to sit and watch his Eagles team mates running around this season, but the blow has been softened by the fact the team is playing such good football.

“Yes it has (been tough to sit and watch), the boys have been playing well though, which isn’t too bad, I certainly can’t wait to get back in the team, they’re playing some good football,” he said.

“Hopefully the coaches pick me next week or the week after.

“I’ve put my name up to play for the last couple of weeks but I’ve had to just stick to the program and take a pretty conservative approach.”