Last night was an important game for Alex Browne in many respects.

Coming into the 2015 season, Browne had not played a senior game of football for close to two and a half years after undergoing a knee reconstruction in 2014.

His comeback game against Melbourne in round 15 was hardly the fairytale.

Although the team did come away with the win, Browne was knocked out in the early stages of the game and was unable to take part in the team’s gutsy nine-point win.

It also meant that Browne was unavailable for selection last week against North Melbourne.

Despite the set-back, Browne remained positive and was eager to return to field as soon as possible.

By the end of the game, Browne did not look like a player who had only played just over a quarter of senior football in two and a half years, picking up 17-disposals across the half-back line before drifting forward in the final term to kick a very tidy goal.

His hard work on the sidelines during his rehabilitation as well as his strong performances for Essendon VFL was highlighted by coach James Hird following the game.

“We’ve been talking to (Alex) a lot about his composure with the ball,” Hird said.

“He has always been someone that has been able to find the ball, but using it maybe has been a bit difficult.

“Tonight I thought he was excellent.”

Browne will only hopefully continue to grow alongside the rest of Essendon’s young list, in what was a performance that has coaches and fans excited for the future.