CARLTON recruit Kristian Jaksch is eyeing off a start in the NAB Challenge after resuming full training.
The former Giant was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left foot in mid-November last year.
The initial prognosis had Jaksch missing most of season 2015. However further scans and consultation with experts showed the 20-year-old had avoided a serious injury.
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Jaksch said he was confident he would be available for round one of the premiership season, and didn't rule out playing in the Blues' first NAB Challenge match against West Coast in Mandurah (WA) on February 27.
"Initially we got the scans and we thought it was a lot worse than it was," Jaksch said.
"Obviously with the (Demon midfielder) Jack Trengove news and (Carlton defender) Cameron Giles here, there have been some serious cases of navicular injuries, so I was a little bit worried. But we did our full diligence here, saw all the scans and experts and it turned out to be not as bad.
"After a couple of weeks I was pretty confident I could get back for the start of the season.
"For me, that would be great to be able to play in [the NAB Challenge] but I'm not setting too high a benchmark at the moment. I'm just enjoying my continuity with my training and being back out there with the boys."
Jaksch played just seven games in two AFL seasons with GWS, before the Blues orchestrated a trade, in which they gave up pick No.7 for the athletic utility, also receiving pick No.19 and emerging midfielder Mark Whiley.
While the injury was a frustrating way to start his career at the Blues, Jaksch said he was now feeling "100 per cent" and was looking forward to working on his on-field relationship with his teammates.
"It was pretty disappointing to come into a new club early and pick up an injury but from that point on I haven't missed a beat with my rehab," Jaksch told reporters at Visy Park on Tuesday.
"The staff here have been amazing getting me back to full fitness. For the past couple of weeks I've been in full training, which has made it a lot easier to jell with the boys.
"It's hard when you're in the rehab group to make some strong connections but I've felt really good being back in the main group.
"I haven't had any setbacks with my rehab. Everyone is really happy with how I've progressed, and we're pretty confident something like this won't happen again.
Jaksch has been likened to Carlton swingman Lachie Henderson, but it's more than likely the 20-year-old will find himself in the Blues' back six initially.
"I was ready for a fresh beginning," Jaksch said.
"Obviously GWS were amazing and gave me the opportunity to start my AFL career. I'm really thankful for that, but it was just time for a change for me and I thought my life and football would be better suited back in Melbourne."
