BRISBANE Lions forward Daniel Bradshaw has ruled out making a NAB Cup appearance, and will continue to aim for a return to the game early in the Telstra AFL Premiership season.

Bradshaw underwent a knee reconstruction 12 months ago after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the Lions' pre-season of 2007.

With "still a bit of jumping and landing work to go", the 29-year-old is refusing to put a definite date on his first appearance in over a year, but is excited nonetheless about his impending return.

"Now that we're getting close to playing games, and the physios seem to think that I should be playing in about eight weeks, that's something to look forward to," Bradshaw told afl.com.au.

"It definitely feels like it's longer than 12 months since I played last. When you're sitting on the sidelines just watching, it's pretty hard.

"So this is probably the most excited I've been coming into a season. You really take it for granted a bit until you have an injury like this. You appreciate it a bit more."

The Lions won five straight games from round 14 of last season, and looked like making a late charge for a place in the top eight.

It's this rate of improvement that has Bradshaw particularly thrilled about rejoining his side and taking his place in the Lions' attacking structure.  

"The second half of the year was really exciting. The young players are starting to get a bit of confidence, and starting to get a few more games," he said.

"You could just see the team improving over the whole season, so I'll definitely be excited about getting out there and being a part of it."

Bradshaw will be joined by teammate Ash McGrath in the stands for the NAB Cup, who recently had clean-out surgery on his own knee and is also aiming for a round-one start.