CAN NAKIA Cockatoo provide the Cats with the extra midfield spark they need moving into 2017?

With a renewed determination to perform after a frustrating run with injury in his second season, the bubbly Cockatoo made no promises when interviewed at the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Op in Geelong on Friday.

He intends to take the game on as much as he has in his first 21 games playing as a mid-forward.

He is benefiting from the tutelage of Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield.

And after a third pre-season that he hopes will stop him from cramping during games, he feels fitter than ever.

But he's keeping his objectives simple as the expectations around him grow.

"[I] just want to have a really good season, whether that be training consistently throughout the whole year, just looking after myself and just trying to play as many games as I can," Cockatoo said.

In his first two seasons he has shown he is explosive, excellent in one-on-one situations and confident enough to change the course of a game. 

When asked whether he will continue to set off on the searching, unmapped runs that threaten to take supporters' breath away, he answers with a knowing grin.

"Of course. That is what Scotty [coach Chris Scott] wants; keep taking the game on and play to your strengths," Cockatoo said. 

One senses Cockatoo would be hard for a coach to stop anyway.

"[I] grew up getting into the contest and that is why I love playing football. I love contact, " Cockatoo said.

Another Territorian on the Cats' list could also provide the club with the midfield strength to assist Dangerfield and the skipper Joel Selwood.

His name is Steve Motlop and Cockatoo can't help but praise his pre-season.

"He's just working really hard and doing really well," Cockatoo said.

"I can't say much more."

There isn't much more to be said, except the following.

"I can't wait to the get the season started," Cockatoo said.