Midfielder David Swallow made a successful return to football against the Southport Sharks at Fankhauser Reserve on Sunday.

The West Australian played just over a half of football for the SUNS reserves, collecting 16 disposals as Gold Coast went on to win by 13 points to keep their slim NEAFL finals chances alive.

“It wasn’t my best performance but I was more than happy to get through the game well and get a bit of fitness because it has been a long time since I’ve played footy,” Swallow told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Swallow will aim to play a full game at NEAFL level next week away to Aspley and will put his hand up for senior selection for the SUNS’ round 23 clash against Port Adelaide if he can get through unscathed.

READ: Fiorini leads SUNS reserves to victory

“I guess trying to get through a full game is the next thing, probably getting some more midfield minutes and make sure my parameters for all my high intensity running are up,” he said.

“Hopefully I’ll start to find a bit more of the footy and a bit more form.

“I’d like to try to play the last game against Port Adelaide in the ones – that’s the target.

“But it has been a long time since I’ve been able to play. If I get through next week all right I think we’ll make the call.”