PLENTY happened between Andrew Gaff's last appearance for West Coast and his return on Saturday night.

His side played in the finals, went on to win a gripping Grand Final, he signed a new deal with the Eagles, he did four months of pre-season training and even played AFLX.

Gaff missed a lot as a result of his crude strike on Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw in round 20 last year, which saw him hit with an eight-game ban that ran across two seasons. But he didn't miss a beat upon his return.

EAGLES FLY HIGH Full match coverage and stats

The Eagles midfielder was excellent against the Magpies at the MCG, in the rematch of last year's premiership decider that Gaff emotionally watched from the stands.

He picked up 35 disposals and five clearances, was best afield and the game's leading ball-getter and added to an already powerful unit to steer his team to a strong 22-point win away from home. It was as seamless as Gaff and the Eagles could have hoped.

"He's one of our best players so I think there was a bit of nerves from everyone with Andrew," said Eagles coach Adam Simpson.

"But we spoke to him about the love of the game, just play some footy with your mates and see how we go. The synergy is always probably going to be there, it was just about Andrew's confidence. He got some footy early which was good for him."

Having waited so long to step back into the game, Gaff wasted no time in getting involved. He started in the centre and had the first kick of the game and had two to his name after a minute.

Gaff was typically understated in the way he tirelessly ran from one end of the ground to the other and collected a team-high nine disposals for the opening quarter.

His influence, and return, wasn't lost on Collingwood fans, either. Boos rang out loud and clear when the 26-year-old had the ball late in the term, the black and white faithful reminding Gaff the incident won't be quickly forgotten.

To be fair, Gaff wasn't the only one to feel the Collingwood army's wrath: they also booed Grand Final hero Dom Sheed, the umpires and even the kiss-cam on the big screen at half-time.

By the main break, Gaff had recorded 18 disposals and four clearances. His hands were sharp and quick, and his link-up play was crucial against the Magpies' star-studded on-ball brigade.

There were some signs – although small – that Gaff was back after a lengthy lay-off, with the pace of the contest catching him out as Magpies opponents rushed some his disposals.

But Gaff had more to give. His third term was exceptional, as last year's All Australian wingman helped his side extend its lead to 20 points at the final change. Gaff did the things he always does: run, carry, help, be efficient and set up.


Andrew Gaff celebrates his return to footy with the West Coast Eagles fans. Pic: AFL Photos

But he did other things as well, like his tough overhead mark on the wing with Adam Treloar by his side that helped set up another Eagles forward foray and it was one of 11 disposals for his third term.

Few could have blamed Gaff for having mixed emotions about his return, particularly given the venue, the opponent and how costly last year's unprovoked punch to the young Docker will prove for his previously unblemished career.

But the performance was another illustration of his ice-cool ability to operate under pressure. Gaff may not have had a standout moment in his first game back, but it was death by a thousand kicks as he chopped up and sliced through the Magpies.

The next challenge will come next Saturday night, when the Eagles face the Dockers at Optus Stadium.

“I'm just glad it's over, that first game,” Simpson said. “Next week's the derby so there'll probably be a bit going on there, but I think he's just got on with it now. Once again, this whole thing has been self-inflicted, but he's paid his dues and he's back with us.”