AFTER starting pre-season unfit, Steven Motlop believes a consistent block of training prior to and after Christmas has him raring to go in 2016.

Runner-up in the best and fairest last season, Motlop has had a key focus on long-distance based running during the pre-season to ensure he gets himself back in the right condition.

The 24-year-old is also hopeful he has overcome the worst of debilitating knee tendinitis, which has affected him over the past five years of his career.

"I wasn't too fit at the start [of pre-season], but I'm definitely getting there now," Motlop told the club's website.

"I'm feeling a lot fitter than when we first came back.

"This is the first time I've done the first six weeks of training, fully, in a long time, so it's exciting for me.

"We've still got a long way to go, and my body's holding up, so it's good."

Motlop has also taken on more of a leadership role at training as he looks to tutor second-year youngsters Nakia Cockatoo and Cory Gregson.

The Cats speedster acknowledged it was an area of his game he wants to improve.

"I'm working closely with Cocky and Cory Gregson and just trying to help them get better and they can help me as well," Motlop said.

"I'm going into my eighth year now. We had a lot of guys leave last year – legends of our club – and they handed down the reins to me a little bit.

"I've got to help Hawk (Tom Hawkins) out as well, [mentoring is] something he does a lot of, so it's something I'm prepared to take on."

Motlop said Cats fans could expect big things from Cockatoo this season.

"He's flying and he's come back really fit," Motlop said of Cockatoo.

"He's working a lot on his skills and his decision making and he's really improving. I think Cats fans are going to be really excited when he plays in the NAB Challenge."