GIANTS forward Jon Patton says conquering the mental demons associated with coming back from a second knee reconstruction was tougher than any of the physical pain he's been through.

The 22-year-old made a successful return in the NEAFL at Spotless Stadium on Sunday, finishing with four kicks, two handballs and a goal, but more importantly got through almost a half of footy unscathed.

The powerful Victorian says battling the psychological hurdles that came with his long road to recovery, for a second time, were extremely difficult to overcome.

"The physical side obviously is very tough and demanding, you do so much work on your rehab, but the psych side takes a lot longer because you just have to get out there and play and get through that first," Patton said after the UWS GIANTS’ 94-point win.

"When you're out there actually playing you're not thinking about anything, you're just thinking about what you're going to do.

"It was good to get out there, everything left my mind, and it felt good again."

"I've been in full training for at least eight weeks, and have been doing competitive work for that long, and I saw this game coming up at Spotless (Stadium). I know the surroundings, so I thought this would be a good one to come in."

Patton entered the GIANTS’ clash with Queensland side Aspley 12 minutes into the third term with his side well in control, and received a rousing reception from a small but loyal band of the GWS faithful.

The big man showed off his mobility with his first touch, and then pegged one from 40m out dead in front 10 minutes later, before being mobbed by all 17 Giants players on the field.

"They've all seen what I've gone through, they were there every day watching me, so for them to do that, even when I came on to get around me, was pretty special," Patton said.

"They're the best bunch of blokes you could ask to play with."

Patton's comeback game was just under 11 months after he tore the ACL in his right knee at the MCG in round 21 last season; he also suffered an identical injury to the same knee, in round three, 2013.

The horror run has limited the former number one draft pick to just 29 games in three seasons, but despite his successful return, Patton won't rush his comeback to senior level.

"I would like to say next week but that's not going to happen. However long it takes, I don't want to put my hand up when I'm not ready and play bad in the ones, that's the last thing I need," Patton said.

"It could be three, four, or five weeks who knows, so we're just gong to take it one week at a time for now."