A TRIO of Cats have made successful VFL returns as the health of Geelong's list takes yet another step in the right direction.

Mark O’Connor (knee), Gryan Miers (ankle) and off-season recruit Jonathon Ceglar (knee) all emerged from the Bendigo Bank Cats’ Round 1 clash with Essendon unscathed.

“Our medical and conditioning team have done an excellent job in successfully returning several players through our VFL program,” GM of Football Simon Lloyd says.

“O’Connor and Miers played the full game while Ceglar completed his required kilometres and will be assessed as to increasing his loads this week.”

There’s more good news on the injury front with the versatile Mark Blicavs not expected to miss any football after picking up a shoulder issue against the Swans.

“We expect Mark to be fine for this weekend’s game. He’s recovered well,” Lloyd says.

Sam De Koning will also be available for selection after completing the AFL’s concussion protocols.

The hard-running Sam Menegola is the next cab off the rank to make his VFL return after off-season knee surgery.

“Sam Menegola will play VFL this weekend which is great news,” Lloyd says.

Gary Rohan has returned to the main group after dealing with back and hip sciatica.

“Gary Rohan has now commenced team training and will build his workloads and base over the coming weeks,” Lloyd says.

First year trio Flynn Kroeger (hip), Toby Conway (hip) and James Willis (knee) are all continuing to work through their specific programs, while Sam Simpson continues to make steady improvements in his concussion recovery.

“Flynn Kroeger and Toby Conway are currently working through their reconditioning program,” Lloyd says.

“James Willis is beginning to run again after his knee procedure.

“Sam Simpson is progressing well and building his training loads.”