GEELONG is hopeful it will see the best of Nathan Vardy in 2016 after signing the ruckman to a new deal following his successful return from injury late this year.

Vardy and midfielder Josh Cowan have both announced new deals with the Cats as the club looks to the future following the departure of premiership stars.

Vardy, who was selected with pick No.42 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, has battled injuries through his career, rupturing his ACL in a training incident in February 2014 and missing the entire season.

He made his anticipated return to the AFL in round 21 this season and the 200cm ruckman shapes as a new recruit for the Cats next year. 

Cowan, who recruited with pick No.59 in the same draft, has battled Achilles and hamstring injuries over six seasons and only played five AFL games.

The midfielder played his first senior game in four years in round six this season but injured his hamstring halfway through the first quarter against Collingwood.

He returned to AFL level in round 23 and also shapes as a fresh player for the Cats next year if he can finally get his body right and take advantage of opportunities that should present.

Football manager Steve Hocking said Cowan and Vardy had spent more time in rehab than most players do in an entire career and their resilience had been exceptional.  

"Josh is a really talented player and when he has been given an opportunity, he has grabbed it with both hands," Hocking said.

"Nathan has experienced his fair share of roadblocks, particularly over the last 18 months. But to see him push through that and make a strong comeback to AFL was really pleasing for us.  

"His ability to perform in the ruck and push forward is something we as a club value highly."