Knights, who tore his right patella tendon in May, is in the final stages of his rehab after undergoing surgery for the injury which ruined his first season at Punt Road.
The 27-year-old is in good condition after completing his own off-season program and is ready to step up his workload.
"The plan of attack is next week I'll start getting filtered through into the main group," he said.
"Hopefully that means Monday and I can then stay out there for longer and longer as each session goes on.
"Definitely the intention is (to be available for) round one."
After undergoing surgery, Knights had six weeks' rest and then took time away from the club so he could return early and continue his rehab while the rest of the group was on leave.
While he says it has been a "lonely" and "challenging" year at times, the former Adelaide half-forward has been committed to setting a good example through his recovery.
"It's quite a significant injury so I had to do it right," he said.
"Everything's been really good so far and we're slightly ahead of schedule.
"I'm feeling fairly strong and I can run now.
"It's all about joining the main group with strength and confidence in my leg."
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
