James Polkinghorne is determined to play a greater role in the Lions' 2011 campaign despite suffering a minor setback to his pre-season training early in the New Year.

Polkinghorne underwent a minor hernia operation, but his short stint in rehab won't hinder the strong fitness base he has already developed during a productive pre-season.

"I had a bit of a hiccup about three weeks ago when a hernia came about but luckily I got onto it straight away and got it fixed up," Polkinghorne said.

"I'm just going through the process now of getting back into training. It's all been going really well so far and hopefully next week I can rejoin the main group."

"I'm not too sure if I'll be ready for the first NAB Cup match (in Melbourne on Friday 18 February), but I'll definitely still be able to get a couple of practice games under my belt."

Polkinghorne said that all players seemed to be benefiting from a new training program which has been both tough and rewarding.

"Taking a backward step into rehab over the past couple of weeks has given me more of an opportunity to see how the boys go about it," he said.

"It's certainly impressive to see how everyone is starting to click together. The game style we have been working on for the past couple of months is really starting to take shape."

Polkinghorne played 15 matches in 2010 and averaged a career-high 13.7 disposals per game, but soft tissue injuries had him sidelined for periods throughout the year.

Throughout his short three-year career, he has proven adept to playing either as a small forward or as a pinch-hitting midfielder.

Recognised as another of the 'new breed' of Lions emerging through the ranks, the 22 year-old now feels as though he's ready to step up and take on greater responsibility in the centre.

"I've trained mostly as a midfielder during the pre-season and certainly want to try and find a more permanent spot there. We have a really exciting young group of guys who want to take ownership of this team and provide more support for the older blokes."