After missing two years of footy due to injury, Hamish McIntosh couldn’t help but smile the whole way through his first post-match-interview with Cats TV.

The 203cm ruckman, who admitted to feeling a touch below par, was given 50 minutes of game time and he enjoyed every second of it.

“I was a little bit rusty early but I felt like the form was ok - it was just great to be out there. It’s been two years and I’ve certainly missed it and I can’t wait to play some more footy,” McIntosh said.

Having not played a game since joining the club in late 2012, McIntosh couldn’t help but feel like the new kid on the block.

“I don’t think I feel 18 in my body but I definitely felt like a new player,” McIntosh said.  

“I was probably more nervous today than I was when I played my first (AFL) game. I was nervous, I was excited - it was just so good to be out there.

“It’s been a long two years and an up and down journey – (now) I want to play some great AFL footy and be ready for round 1. That is what I’m here to do and I’m excited to get out there again.”

McIntosh believes that his fellow ruckman, Dawson Simpson, and himself can now aim to become a secure syndicate for the Cats in 2014.

“I felt like Dawes and my partnership developed really well tonight and it’s been going pretty well throughout the pre-season. We’re hoping it can become a strength for our footy club.

“I thought Daws did really well and around the ground he’s really good...”

The next step for McIntosh is to re-establish his match fitness to where it was so he can play consistent footy week after week.

This Friday at Simonds Stadium the Cats take on McIntosh’s old club, the Roos, for their third and last NAB Challenge before Round 1.

“It’s just about getting match fitness under my belt… and playing some footy and getting some continuity into my matches - that’s the aim,” McIntosh said.  

“It will be good to play against the old mob next week, I’ve got some great mates there and I’m looking forward to playing against them.”