YOUNG Cats defender Jake Kolodjashnij has set himself the goal of becoming more agile and faster off the mark during the pre-season.

The 20-year-old, who made his AFL debut during the 2015 season and played nine games at the highest level in all, returned to training on Monday with the other first- to fourth-year players.

“It’s actually meant to build up as we go, but it’s been pretty solid the first few sessions,” Kolodjashnij told CatsTV.

“I’m looking forward to a big pre-season.

“I’m pretty refreshed and ready to go again. I’m looking forward to 2016 and what it’s going to bring.”

Kolodjashnij spent most of his off-season break back home in Tasmania.

“I spent a lot time just relaxing, I guess, catching up with family and friends,” he said.

Geelong’s revamped coaching structure means Kolodjashnij will spend plenty of time working with new backline coach Matthew Scarlett during the coming months.

“I guess I’m just going to try and steadily build on my game,” he said.

“I was happy to come away with nine [AFL] games at the end of last year, and I hope to build on that, work closely with the coaches, and go one step further.”