Geelong defender Tom Stewart is "ready to go" for 2022 after returning to training this week and continuing rehabilitation for his season-ending foot injury.
The 28-year-old had his 2021 campaign cut short after sustaining a Lisfranc joint injury, with Stewart having since looked to gain the help of a renowned ballet physiotherapist.
A career-best campaign saw Stewart claim his maiden best and fairest and a third All-Australian blazer, however his absence late into the year severely hindered Geelong's premiership prospects and placed some concern on his planning for early next year.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
While initial signs were alarming for both Stewart and the Cats, the Carji Greeves medallist revealed his recovery was on track this pre-season.
โI think anytime you start talking about feet, people get really nervous because itโs such an important part of your body,โ Stewart told media on Wednesday, perย K Rock.
โIโve had only one session in 50 that Iโve pulled up sore from. So, in terms of my preparation and the way Iโm feeling, Iโm super confident Iโve done the work now, and Iโm ready to go.
โIโm excited by seeing a full pre-season, and just being back around the groupโs been fantastic for my mindset.โ
The final group of Geelong players returned to training this week ahead of the new year, with the Cats looking to redeem themselves after their horror prelimary final showing against Melbourne in September.
Stewart said returning to the track alongside the rest of Geelong's senior squad was another benchmark in his recovery.
โWe had our first time trial on Monday, which was pretty solid,โ he added.
โThen we did about an hour of footy, which was really, really good, (and) really pleasing for myself to tick that landmark off, in terms of my rehab and being back around the boys and having a bit of fun kicking the footy around."
Stewart revealed that he has looked to ballet physiotherapist Dr Sue Mayes to aid his recovery, with the acclaimed medical practitioner also a consultant with North Melbourne
โIโve really liaised well with her, and sheโs given me massive confidence throughout the rehab process,โ Stewart said.
โIโve checked-in four times with her, and sheโs been unbelievable for me."
The Cats will begin their 2022 campaign against Essendon in Round 1 next year, with the entire AFL fixture to be released later this week.
