James Polkinghorne had all but given up on a return to the AFL field.

His 94^th and final game with Brisbane was almost two years ago to the day.

His time with the Lions was ended after the 2014 season and he returned to Melbourne to play with the Bombers in the VFL.

“It has been really good to be home with the family,” Polkinghorne said.

“My family has always been great support and my mates are always there to support me as well.

“From that end it’s a pretty good network around me.”

Polkinghorne won the VFL Best and Fairest last season and helped lead the side to the Preliminary Final.

His name wasn’t read out on draft night but the events on January 12, 2016 – changed the fortunes for many footballers, including Polkinghorne.

He was one of the ten recruits given another shot in the big time.

Since signing, Polkinghorne has worked hard to overcome a calf injury and produced some strong VFL performances in the weeks leading up to his senior call up this week.

His comeback to the game’s highest level was sealed when Joe Daniher presented him with his Essendon jumper before the match against Carlton.

“That moment before the game was pretty special,” Polkinghorne said.

“To be presented with a jumper of such a proud Club with a proud history – it means a lot.

“I grew up 500 metres from Windy Hill, so it’s pretty close to me.

“You never say never and luckily I aligned myself with the VFL program at Essendon with really good people and the opportunity came.”

Polkinghorne gathered 11 possessions and kicked an important goal in the Bombers 15 point loss to the Blues.

“I didn’t set the world on fire, but just getting used to the structures and how fast things move again – I think I sort of worked my way into it at times,” he said. 

“Hopefully I can build up now and get a few games under my belt and hit my straps.”

Polkinghorne’s next opportunity could come in just six days - a lot less than the two year wait - when the Bombers travel to Sydney to play the Swans.