Marco Paparone made a confident return to senior football on the weekend, collecting 28 disposals in his 50^th career game.

The 22-year-old returned against the Swans from a persistent hamstring injury that had plagued the defender since last season.

Before Sunday’s match, Paparone’s last senior game was Round 13, 2016 against the West Coast Eagles.

“It was really pleasing to see Marco come in for his first game – especially after 11 months (out with injury),” assistant coach Jed Adcock told LionsTV in this week’s Coaches Wrap.

“It was a pretty interrupted preseason but then come the start of the year he started to get his body right and he’s been able to play some really consistent footy through the NEAFL and got his opportunity at the AFL level on the weekend.”

Adcock said Paparone provided important run off half back. 

“He adds a lot of run to our team, he’s a real long, high runner which is really important for the role that he plays,” said Adcock.

“His ability to get up the ground and get back and help was really important on the weekend.”