Two-time Brownlow Medalist Gary Ablett has returned to pre-season training with the Cats a week ahead of schedule.
The 33-year-old has eagerly joined Geelong's first to fourth year players as he looks to put three injury riddled years behind him and return to his incredible best.
Geelong general manager of football Simon Lloyd told AFL.com.au Ablett has begun getting to know his younger teammates.
"It was great to see Gary in at the club. His official start date is the fourth of December, so between then he's going to come in and out at different times as a number of players are currently doing," Lloyd said.
"This morning when I walked through, Gary was sitting with Jordan Cunico, Brandan Parfitt and a number of other second-to-fourth-year players and having a really good chat.
"Really he's getting to know the players and getting to know the club. It's great to see him engaged with the group and back in the hoops."
Lloyd also remained adamant Ablett will line up in Round 1, despite his recent shoulder and knee issues.
"You'll find, come the fourth of December he'll be in and out of drills and building towards round one," Lloyd said.
Ablett secured his return back to Geelong during last month's trade period, after seven seasons and 110 games with the Suns. He played 192 matches and won two premierships with the Cats from 2002-2010.
