LUCKLESS Geelong forward Daniel Menzel has taken another positive step in his recovery from four knee reconstructions, finishing fourth in the Cats' 2km time trial on Monday.

Menzel, who has not played an AFL game since tearing the ACL in his left knee for the first time in the 2011 qualifying final against Hawthorn, has made steady progress in his rehabilitation as he desperately seeks to continue his stalled career.

The 23-year-old joined his first-to-fourth-year teammates on day one of pre-season training in completing the time trial at Landy Field in Geelong.

Menzel found himself in the middle of the pack for most of the way around the athletics track, but put on an impressive burst of speed at the end to pass five of his teammates towards the end of the run.

Menzel remains confident he can return to AFL football, maintaining the upbeat attitude he has possessed throughout an injury-riddled four-year period.

There were no surprises at the top with Mark Blicavs crowned as the winner, followed by Josh Caddy and Josh Walker in the minor placings.

Menzel then participated in a series of half-ground drills at training to demonstrate the progress he has made, before leaving the track at the advice of the Cats' conditioning staff.