The Camperdown key defender was among the Magpies’ best in their 46-point win over Terang Mortlake at Leura Oval on Saturday.

It was just his second game back from a serious knee injury.

Arnold, 21, said surgery on his meniscus wiped out his 2015  Hampden league season before it began.

“It was a bit shattering. I did it in the Boag’s Cup and had to watch from the sidelines for the year,” he said.

“They could have stitched it or removed it, so I had it stitched just to help me a lot further along in my career.

“I was getting very ancy last year and I just didn’t go to games sometimes because I just didn’t want to watch, I wanted to be playing out there.”

Arnold, who prides himself on his contested marking and ability to set up attacking forays, said he was learning from experienced duo Daniel Seehusen and Luke Clarke.

“They are showing me a lot, where to place myself after I have a kick and to create space,” he said.

Arnold said the Pies were elated with their emphatic start against the Bloods.

They booted eight unanswered majors in the first term and kept the Bloods goalless to half-time.

“We know how we want to play now and just have to keep it going this week and the week after and the week after that,” he said of their desire to become a consistent side.

Terang Mortlake coach Paul Dirago lamented the Bloods’ slow start.

“The second half we kicked seven goals to their three, so if we eliminate that start we’re right in the game,” he said.

Dirago was happy with the Bloods’ response after the main break, particularly their ability to get the ball into their dangerous forwards.

He also praised the efforts of key defender Chris Baxter, who kept Jordan Bain to two majors following his four-goal opening term burst, and ruckman Ryan O’Connor.

“I wanted to keep it really positive. I didn’t want it to be all doom and gloom in there,” he said of his half-time speech.

“I gave boys a few sprays when it was needed and they really responded. 

“It wasn’t crisis stations for us. We knew what we needed to do.”

Dirago (nose), Josh Carlin (groin) and Lachie Barr (neck) were all injured in the loss.