Harley had a cleanout on his knee in late October, but it didn’t recover as expected and the 30-year-old is sitting out the start of the season.
Harley, who is currently trialling a new strapping method on the troublesome joint in an effort to return to the field as soon as possible, said he was happy with the way it was progressing.
“We’ve got a plan in place and we’re ticking the boxes at the moment,” he said at Docklands on Thursday.
“When it’s right, I’ll be back and playing.
“I have been assured that it’s something that’s certainly manageable, not career threatening at all.”
Harley was reluctant to say when he expected to return, but agreed that round five was possible.
“It’s about around then, that’s what I’m hoping for.
“But if it’s before that great, if it’s a little bit later, then so be it.
“But to have a real impact in the second half of the year and towards the finals is my primary concern.”
Harley said while the loss of Hunt was significant, the Cats’ depth was substantial.
“Corey Enright might get a permanent role down back, or Jimmy Bartel of Joel Corey could play off a half-back flank.
“It’s going to be a different look.
“Jeremy Laidler and Dan McKenna are the two that played down back in the NAB Cup, but we’ve got some proven performers in (David) Wojcinski and Dave Johnson who can play that role as well, so we think we’ve certainly got enough to cover that, without understating Josh’s value to the team at all.”
Dream Team watch – Tom Harley is rated a $250,900 defender in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
