Jason Johannisen’s return to competitive football was made without fanfare last week and despite limited game time, his creativity was on full display.

Making his comeback against grand finalists Fremantle in the NAB Challenge, the 21-year-old was eased in to play two thirds of the hitout - after spending almost seven months out of the game.

“I did my shoulder in round 15, so it’s definitely been a while since I have been out playing a game,” Johannisen said.

“It’s hard being in rehab and just wanting to be out with the boys but I guess you have to do all the little things to get back and be fully fit.”

Johannisen turned to fellow backmen Dale Morris and Jordan Roughead for support during his time in the rehabilitation group, with the duo more than capable of empathising with their young teammate.

“They definitely helped me out in trying to stay focused in just getting my body right and getting back out there,” he said.

The 2012 rookie elevation took a productive approach to his time on the sidelines, embracing the opportunity to better himself as a football and focus on areas that may otherwise be overlooked.

“Not being out there you get to work on a few things that you can’t necessarily do out on the pitch, I’ve worked hard on trying to get my shoulder right and that’s been the main thing,” he said.

Aiming to get as many minutes under his belt before season proper, the young defender is poised to build on his exciting breakout season in 2013 and consolidate his spot in the Dogs back six.