It has been a long road back for Sean Samblich to playing his first league match for Port Adelaide at the weekend.

PORT ADELAIDE’S 10-goal victory over Woodville-West Torrens was a particularly special day for SANFL contracted player Sean Samblich.

Only 12 months earlier in a trial match, he ruptured his anterior crucial ligament and would miss the entire 2020 campaign.

Reflecting on the past year, Samblich said it was tough to get through.

“It was a good win, I think we played really well as a team against a really good side,” he said.

“I was so stoked to be out there to be honest.

“It was my first game back of league footy for about three years, so it was good to get through.

“It was quite tough during COVID with my injury. I didn't have access to any of the facilities, I was basically on my own for three or four months without any access to the gym.”

Sean Samblich celebrates with his teammates after slotting one of his two goals on debut for the Magpies.

However, getting past the biggest hurdle, the first game back, was vital for Samblich.

“Once you get that one game under your belt, you get that confidence back,” he said.

“I actually went home and played up in Murray Bridge and got a game up there and was pretty rubbish, but I got through the game and the confidence was there.

“I was actually pretty worried I wasn't going to get through the game - I had a bit of a sore hip, so I was unsure if I was going to keep playing.

“But, as soon as I got going, I was fine.”

Samblich was terrific for the Magpies in the win over the Eagles, kicking two goals, including a miraculous drop punt from in front of the Bob Quinn Stand in the fourth quarter.

“It was one of those ones that comes off the boot and you know it's going in, so I was happy about that,” he said.

Samblich arrived at Alberton at the end of 2019 having previously captained Sturt at Under 18 level and being part of the 2017 Reserves premiership side. He had played seven league games for the Double Blues before being coaxed out of retirement to join Port Adelaide.

As well as his two goals he had 18 disposals and seven marks in his club debut.

The 26-year-old will be hoping it was the first of many games in the black and white bars.

The Magpies will open a Showdown double-header at Adelaide Oval this Saturday, with SANFL action getting underway from 3:35pm.