TOM BOYD has made an encouraging return from his mental illness battles with a three-goal performance in the VFL on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who hasn't played at any level since June 18, played predominantly up forward for Footscray in a five-point loss to Essendon at Windy Hill.

In blustery conditions, Boyd led smartly, marked strongly and celebrated each of his three goals with his delighted teammates.

While happy with Boyd's output from a playing perspective, Western Bulldogs development manager Rohan Smith said it was more pleasing the key forward had found enjoyment in his football again.

"We were happy with the way he performed but it wasn't really about that, it was about him getting out there and enjoying himself," Smith told AFL.com.au.

"We left it up to him when he wanted to play again, he chose this week, and he looked really comfortable out there.

"The way that he approached the game by getting around his teammates, using his voice and helping out our younger players was great.

"There was no pressure on 'Boydy' today because before the game we couldn't have been prouder of him."

After a quiet first term, Boyd started the second quarter with two smart leads and a goal from limited opportunities.

A three-minute patch in third quarter saw the 2013 No.1 draft pick kick two goals from three strong marks, before sitting out the last quarter as planned.

"From a playing perspective, he did everything we asked of him," Smith said.

"There were really encouraging signs with him fighting for the ball, he took some great marks on the lead and he kicked some long goals too."

Ruckman Tom Campbell and midfielder Mitch Honeychurch were also on the comeback trail, with the duo major contributors after lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Resuming from an abdominal strain, Campbell was dominant in the ruck, while Honeychurch kicked three goals rotating between midfield and attack in his return from a facial infection.

Draftee Patrick Lipinski (32 possessions), Lukas Webb (30 touches and a goal), Matthew Boyd (27 disposals) and Clay Smith (25 touches and a goal) were also prominent for the Dogs.