Forward Daniel Menzel has set his sights on a return after Geelong's bye following a punishing training session with three key Cats on Tuesday.
While his teammates spent the early part of the week holidaying, Menzel joined Harry Taylor, Cam Guthrie and Nakia Cockatoo on the track, enduring high-intensity running.
It was Menzel's biggest session in his comeback from a groin injury that has kept him sidelined since round five.
Initially managed with soreness after 15 goals to start the season, the 26-year-old then suffered a reaction to an injection and missed the next five weeks of training.
He will join the rest of his teammates on the Gold Coast on Friday for a four-day training camp ahead of the round 15 clash with the Western Bulldogs.
While coach Chris Scott hinted that Menzel could be rushed straight back into the senior team, he may be required to return via the VFL.
It comes during a tricky fixturing period for Geelong with the Friday clash against the Dogs followed by consecutive Thursday night matches on the road against Sydney and Adelaide.
In the same period, the VFL team plays on Saturday, Sunday and Sunday.
From the players who trained on Tuesday, Guthrie has put his hand up to return against the Dogs after two VFL matches.
Taylor played on limited time on Saturday in Geelong's VFL win over Port Melbourne and will be in the frame for a return.
Cockatoo hasn't featured since injuring his PCL in round three and will be looking to play in the VFL against Werribee after the bye.
Meanwhile, Scott Selwood is also in line to play after two matches in the VFL following a back injury.
Menzel pushing for return
Forward Daniel Menzel has set his sights on a return after Geelong's bye