THE FOOT problems that dogged draft bolter Nakia Cockatoo are a thing of the past and the speedster now has his sights set on making his debut for Geelong.
Cockatoo was a smokey among last year's NAB AFL Draft crop after stress fractures in his right foot restricted him to playing just one game in 2014.
But that match – an electric best-on-ground performance for the Allies in the Grand Final curtain-raiser – and his standout testing at the Draft Combine got recruiters talking.
Ultimately, it was Geelong who pulled a draft shock by taking the talented Northern Territory product with pick No.10, and he's already impressing the Cats with his pre-season training form.
Speaking to AFL.com.au at the AFL Players' Association induction camp this week, Cockatoo said he had put his foot issues behind him.
"It's been good, no problems at all with that," Cockatoo said.
"It's pretty much trying to get my body right now and I'm looking forward to the season.
"I'm still trying to ease into full training. I've been doing about 80 or 85 per cent (like other draftees).
"I've been doing weights and all my conditioning after training, so it's been good."
Cockatoo said he was "a little bit" starstruck when he first walked into the club and met the likes of Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartel.
But having gotten over that, the 185cm midfielder is trying to soak up as much as he can from his teammates and the Cats' staff.
Nakia Cockatoo in action during his best-afield performance for the Allies. Picture: AFL Media
"Selwood, Jimmy Bartel, (Mathew) Stokes – I guess anyone really because they've been in the system longer than me – anyone at the club, even if they're not one of the players," Cockatoo said.
"It's been awesome. I've been going well with training and I've felt like I've been really welcomed to the club.
"All the boys have been getting around me the last couple of months and I'm really enjoying my time there.
"Hopefully I've got a good future at Geelong."
Despite his foot issues, Cockatoo has lost none of his lightning pace, which was on display as he won the repeat sprint testing (23.93sec) and finished sixth in the 20m sprint (2.9sec) at the Draft Combine.
His training efforts have excited the Cats, with coach Chris Scott recently stating Cockatoo's pre-season performances have shown he's capable of slotting into the team for round one.
It's a thrilling prospect, but just cracking a game in the strong Geelong side is the 18-year-old's main aim.
"I'm just doing my best at training and trying to do the right things all the time," said Cockatoo, who has been handed the famous No.5 guernsey.
"Hopefully I'll get picked for this season."
