GEELONG'S 2009 season has taken a hit before it's even started with news that inspirational captain Tom Harley is unlikely to play until at least the end of April.

The 30-year-old has been on a modified training program after post-season knee surgery, but the joint has not responded as well as anticipated.

Harley was hopeful of regaining full fitness for the start of the season, but said last week from the Cats' Telstra AFL Community Camp in Torquay that there "might be a little bit of doubt" for round one.

Geelong football manager Neil Balme said that the club was taking a safety-first approach with the 2007 premiership skipper.

"Tom reported soreness in his knee last week after his training workload increased and further assessment indicates he has to back off the intensity of his training," Balme told geelongcats.com.au.

"That setback means that he will miss not only the NAB Cup but in all likelihood the first month of the season.

"We want to make sure that when Tom returns that he is sound and he is able to prepare to play the season without further interruption from this injury."

The 184-game veteran will lead the Cats for a fourth year in 2009. He played all 25 matches last year and won his first All-Australian jumper.