PORT Adelaide key forward Jay Schulz made his long-awaited return to football on Saturday in the Magpies' clash with South following a 12-week absence with a significant back injury.

Recovering from his second bout of surgery in nine months on his troublesome back, Schulz donned the prison bars for the first time as he was eased back into action through the SANFL.

Despite the result at Noarlunga, Schulz was one of the Magpies' better players.

He ended the match with nine disposals, four inside 50s, seven marks and two goals.

Speaking to portadelaidefc.com.au after the match, the 31-year-old was disappointed with the result but just glad to be back playing football.

"[The back] pulled up really good," Schulz said.

"It was nice to have a run around with the boys, but unfortunately we didn't get there today.

"Once I had been through my contact work at training, it was just a matter of getting back as soon as possible and trying to play footy and try to get that match fitness back.

"It's always nice to see a couple (of goals) go through, but it's more important for the boys to win and unfortunately that wasn't to be today."

Schulz was confident the Magpies would be able to pull themselves of of their form slump and said he would do his best to help the younger players become more consistent.

"The boys have to keep pressing on and keep trying to do what Chad tells them to do to develop themselves as good as possible," Schulz said.

"There's a lot of young guys and we are trying to fast-track them as quick as possible.

"They just need to keep putting their heads down and doing the right thing."

Port Adelaide SANFL coach Chad Cornes was pleased Schulz managed to get through unscathed.

"I am really glad he got through the game," Cornes said.

"Kenny (Hinkley) rang him and said for him to compete, kick a goal if you can and put some pressure on when it's in your area and i think he did all those things."