In approximately 40 minutes of game time, Liam Henry showed glimpses of what he can deliver as a Freo Docker when he made his football return in a scratch match for non-selected players against Gold Coast on Friday.

A flying mark on the wing and a crumb and goal from the pocket were two of the highlights of Henry’s return, which was limited to the first half of football.

It was the first taste of competitive footy for the 18-year-old since he dislocated his knee playing for Christ Church last August.

“It was definitely a step up from training. It was a lot more competitive and it was a good hitout,” Henry said.

“I haven’t played in 11 months, since I’ve done my knee.”

Henry initially stayed in WA on bereavement leave when Fremantle headed to the hub in June.

But it didn’t mean the small forward wasn’t working hard, hitting the gym as he built strength in his legs, under the supervision of Michael Johnson.

“It was hard work but I had ‘Johnno’ back there. He’s a legend of the club and I was able to put a few kilos,” Henry said.

“(Higher performance manager) Jason Weber put in a program, I stuck to it for three weeks. It was a lot of gym work and less running, since I’ve got here there’s been more running to get back into game fitness and endurance.

“All the work’s paid off and it was good to get out there and put the Freo jumper on and the boys did really well.”

While Henry provided two of the highlights of the game, he said his main focus was getting through the minutes.

“I just wanted to get through the game and not try to do too much. It was just to get through the minutes and I pulled up pretty well,” Henry said.

“I try to just play my game and go with my instincts…it was good to get on the board (with a goal).”