MITCH GEORGIADES says his first AFL game in nearly a year was well worth the wait, and he now feels in the best physical condition he’s ever been.

Georgiades missed most of the 2023 season after suffering a ruptured ACL in the early rounds but showed no ill effects in his return against Essendon on Friday night.

The 22-year-old had 15 disposals and booted two goals, adding three tackles in a high half forward role.

Speaking on Monday afternoon, Georgiades also discussed captain Connor Rozee’s performance, his views on Gather Round and whether a pair of experienced midfielders will be available to feature against Fremantle on Saturday night.

Mitch Georgiades on making his return to the AFL after his ACL injury:

“It was super exciting. It's a bit surreal. I was talking about it over the last couple days, it's probably one of the most special moments of my career so far. Over the journey, I think, over the last year has been a challenging one, but it was very rewarding.

“I think it was 377 days since my last AFL game so there were plenty of nerves but the overall feeling was excitement. I think that was my goal going into the game to enjoy myself and, obviously, to play well on top of that and be consistent in the way I was, in my football action. I was nervous, but also very excited.”

Mitch Georgiades on his confidence in his body going forward:

“I think that's probably the great thing about playing a couple of games of SANFL and scratch matches over the preseason, just to get that confidence. And I'm at a point now where I'm super confident in the rehab I've done and the team put me in such good position, so yeah, very comfortable(being back on the park).”

“I was just having a conversation with the strength and conditioning coach, and I feel as though I'm stronger or I’m in the best physical condition I've ever been. So as disappointing as it was having a knee injury like that, I think it gives you a really good opportunity to build in areas that you haven't been able to in the past. I'm really enjoying where I'm at now.”

Mitch Georgiades on playing further up the ground:

“It’s definitely something we've talked about in the past and something I have been open to. I think it suits me in a way, I've been able to get up and down the ground. It’s something I will continue to learn on and something I'm learning each day. It's something I've enjoyed and appreciated, and I hope to keep doing.”

Mitch Georgiades on the performance against Essendon:

“I think it was a really strong performance. I think we've played really strong over the over the start of the year, unfortunately, losing last week to Melbourne. And again, we thought we played really well. To come out and put a performance in like that, and stamp our authority, which was was really nice, and for a first game back it was a good one to be a part of.”

Mitch Georgiades on Connor Rozee’s performance against the Bombers:

“It's crazy. He's one of a kind. He's untouchable when he's in those sort of moods. He leads from the front in all these actions, off-field, everything. He's just putting together a really great start to the year and no doubt he'll continue.”

Mitch Georgiades on the AFL investigation into Jeremy Finlayson’s behaviour against Essendon:

“Jeremy is very apologetic and remorseful for his actions, but it's something that is not acceptable in this day and age and in society at all. It's up to the AFL now.

“He's acknowledged he's done the wrong thing, and he's done that on the day so now it's over to the AFL to see where they go with that.”

Mitch Georgiades on Gather Round:

“It's great except the traffic driving around. It's a bit challenging. But it's amazing. The city is buzzing, trying to get bookings everywhere. It's flooded. So it's a really great spectacle and something I’ve really enjoyed. My parents came over for it. They've loved it. I think it's such a great thing for the city.”

Mitch Georgiades on Travis Boak and Ollie Wines’ chances of playing Fremantle this week after respective back and hamstring injuries:

“I think his back’s still a little sore this morning. I’m not too sure, I think he had scans on the weekend, and we'll see what the results are from there and wait till later in the week to find out. Ollie’s been running around really well, so it’s a similar thing, just wait and see throughout the week, but he's traveling well.”