Injury-prone Hawthorn young gun Jaeger O'Meara made his long awaited return to football yesterday, after playing his last game in round six following further issues with his troublesome knee.

O'Meara starred upon his return in the VFL, where he played just three quarter as the Hawks take a cautious approach with the 23-year-old.

He finished the match with 29 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances and three goals.

Box Hill Hawks narrowly lost the clash with Essendon at Windy Hill, 14.5 (89) to 12.11 (83). The Hawks led by nine points at the last change, before the Bombers kicked three goals to nil, to run over the top of the visitors, in the final term.

The former Sun has managed four senior games for the Hawks this season, playing the opening three games of the season against Essendon, Adelaide and Gold Coast and then again in round six against St Kilda.

Meanwhile, former Bulldogs and current Gold Coast forward, Jarrad Grant, had a day out for the Suns' reserves, booting seven goals as they defeated Brisbane 16.15 (111) to 16.8 (104) on Saturday afternoon.

Grant had 15 disposals, 12 kicks, three handballs and took five marks in the seven-point win.

The 28-year-old, former No.5 draft pick, has played 12 senior games for the Suns since joining the club after a disappointing seven seasons at the Bulldogs, where he managed 83 goals in 81 games. He has played one game this season, the Suns' 37-point loss to Fremantle in Round 20.