SPEEDY forward Jarrod Pickett was pivotal in the Northern Blues’ victory over Collingwood in the VFL on Sunday afternoon.

He picked up three majors, 17 disposals and two tackles, making the most of his opportunities as the Blues recorded a thrilling four-point win.

Speaking to Northern Blues Media, VFL senior coach Josh Fraser said Pickett “wants to compete and do all the right things and he had some incredibly important moments for us [on Sunday]".

The 21-year-old, who was subjected to the cruel nature of the game when he fractured his scaphoid during a pre-season session just a week before the Blues' season opener, spoke with Carlton Media about his return to football through the VFL.

On the Northern Blues’ win against Collingwood:

“It was my second game back after injury. It was pretty good to get the win against Collingwood. I felt I had a pretty good impact on the game. Obviously, the week before against Richmond was wet and rainy and it was hard to play in but to get the win on the weekend was really good and hopefully I pick up some momentum with the VFL and hopefully the AFL.”

On how he pulled up:

“The body has pulled up pretty well I guess. After the first game I was a little bit sore. I will just recover and get ready for hopefully a good game this weekend.”

On the injury:

“I guess it was frustrating getting an injury so close to Round 1. I felt I was ready to go. It was a little bit frustrating because it was so close, but I guess I’ve got through that stage now so I’m happy to be back and playing footy.

“When I was injured it was pretty much like another pre-season. The good thing was I still able to run. I did a heap of running.

"The most frustrating bit was that although I was able to run and do all of that sort of stuff, I wasn’t able to play footy. Just getting the strength back in my wrist was the difficult bit and there’s still a little bit to go, but it feels a lot stronger.”

On his off-field involvement in the Sir Doug Nicholls Round:

“The Sir Doug Nicholls Round was obviously a really important round for us Indigenous boys. Not being able to play I did all I could off-field. So, I did some activities with the boys. We did a few dot paintings and some things like that. It was really good that the boys got involved and really embraced that round for us. It was a really important round.”

On life in Melbourne:

“I’m all settled in Melbourne now. My partner and I just got a house together out near the airport, which is really nice. We have a few dogs now. I love Melbourne. I love the lifestyle.”

On a return to the AFL side:

“Hopefully I get my chance soon in the ones. I guess I just have to have a bit of patience. If it’s not this week then I have just got to keep pushing again and keep playing some good VFL footy and hopefully my chance comes soon. It will be pretty exciting.”