DANIEL Menzel has set the bold aim of playing most of 2016 in the senior team as he looks to re-establish himself as one of the most dangerous mid-sized forwards in the competition.

Menzel made his return to the AFL in round 22 last season, booting four goals in his first match since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the 2011 qualifying final.

His memorable return, which also included the final game of the year against Adelaide, came after four knee reconstructions.

Menzel has barely missed a beat this pre-season, joining his teammates in full training for the first time since 2011.

"I expect to play the majority of the year next year," Menzel told the Cats' website.

"Obviously, we'll have hiccups along the way. There'll be a couple of limitations that we'll work on and be right on top of.

"But I see myself playing a large part of the 2016 season, as most of our players should do."

Menzel said it was strange to be in full training with his teammates.

"There's a lot of anticipation around the place anyway, but for me to actually do a pre-season and [be fit going] into round one or even NAB (Challenge) one, is something different," Menzel said.

"Just to be able to train with the boys in pre-season is something different.

"It's something I'll never take for granted."