Collingwood ruckman Darren Jolly has given the thumbs up after his first competitive match since undergoing knee surgery in late April.

Jolly starred in the VFL Magpies’ loss on Sunday with 31 hitouts, 29 disposals and a goal kicked from the centre square.  The 29-year-old spoke with teammate Jarryd Blair in the Westpac Centre about his return.

“I was a bit blowy in the first couple of minutes but once the second wind came it was good.

“The knee was really good.  It has pulled up well.”

Jolly was one of four Magpies to travel over to Arizona for a mid-season camp and appeared to have benefited from the high-altitude training within the first few seconds of the game. 

The ruckman won the opening tap, laid a tackle, earned a free and kicked the side’s first major from the middle of Trevor Barker Oval to start proceedings.

“You always have to celebrate hard,” Jolly said regarding the moments after kicking the goal of the day.

“I got the business done and turned around and walked back in the middle.”

Several footy seasons have elapsed since Jolly last made an appearance in the VFL with the 196-game player recalling a VFL match played in his final year at Melbourne.

“2004 was my last stint in the VFL, seven years ago.”

“I was 14 years old when you last played in the VFL,” Blair admitted.

Jolly is in contention for Sunday's blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG with the side name on Friday afternoon at 5pm.