GEELONG forward Nathan Vardy is on the verge of a surprise comeback to football this week after making a rapid recovery from a left foot injury.

Vardy suffered a foot ligament sprain in a VFL practice match over Easter and was originally expected to miss up to six weeks, but when the 24-year-old removed the moon boot recently, the Cats were pleasantly surprised with his progress.

Although Geelong physiotherapist Mark Young described the injury as tricky on the Cats website, he said Vardy had impressed enough at training to be a chance to play on the weekend.

"We were unsure of [the foot's] progress, but since he has come out of the boot he has passed every test with flying colours, and he is coming under strong consideration for playing a game this week," Young said.

Geelong's VFL team plays against the Northern Bullants on Friday night at Simonds Stadium, while its senior team takes on Essendon on Saturday at the MCG.

Vardy would be more likely to resume through the VFL as he was not selected for the Cats' round one team against Hawthorn.

Vardy has played just 24 games for the Cats in five years after suffering a litany of injuries, but he has an opportunity to cement a place in the team this season if he can stay injury-free.

The Cats also hope first round draft pick Billie Smedts can return from a shoulder injury in a fortnight after recently resuming full training, while Mitch Clark and Scott Selwood have both started their running programs as they aim for a mid-season return.