MITCH Clark is making good progress in his return from the calf injuries that prematurely ended his 2015 season, but Geelong will take a cautious approach with the spearhead's pre-season training until after Christmas.
Clark did not play a senior game after round nine this year due to a succession of calf strains on both legs.
The 28-year-old returned to pre-season training last week with the Cats' rehab group and on Monday completed a series of sprints and light skills work.
Geelong football manager Steve Hocking told AFL.com.au that Clark was now running without discomfort but stressed the Cats would be taking a cautious approach with his 2016 preparations.
"There is no sinister reason that Mitch is in the rehab group. He's running without any problems and hasn't had any issues with his calves, but we won't be rushing him," Hocking said.
"He'll have a slow build-up before Christmas, we'll be fairly selective with the training he does, and then we should be able to ramp things up after the break.
"It will be a slow burn for Mitch, but we're confident that's the best approach."
Mitch Clark catches his breath as Geelong training continues. Picture: Geelongcats.com.au
Rhys Stanley also had an injury-shortened first season at the Cattery last season, with a foot injury sidelining him after round 11.
Stanley trained with the Cats' rehab group on Monday but is not as far advanced as Clark, having had surgery in June to re-attach a ligament in his foot.
Hocking said Stanley had made encouraging progress since his surgery but would also be held back before Christmas.
"Rhys will also be on a slow build. He's back running on schedule and his surgeon is happy with how he's recovered," Hocking said.
"He's progressed well and we'll look to increase his work load post-Christmas."
