GEELONG forward Daniel Menzel is back running pain free, and hopeful of a return in the coming weeks.

Far from the forecast 'season over' scenario that had been speculated about, the out-of-contract star could return soon after the Cats’ round 14 bye.

"It's great to be back out on the track running," Menzel said in a video on Geelong’s Facebook page.

"It's been a pretty lean and frustrating four or five weeks for me but to be back out here moving around and kicking the footy again feels amazing," he said.

"I've trained this week with no pain and that's been the biggest thing for us.

"Now it's just about building that fitness back and training fitness back as well and integrating with the boys as well."

Averaging three goals a game before his season came to a grinding halt after round five, Menzel is confident he won't have lost his touch.

"I don't think you ever lose your touch to be honest, well I hope not," he said.

"It's been a month, but it's only been a month is the way I'm looking at it.

"I hopefully haven't lost too much fitness and in terms of the skill and touch that'll only take a week or two to really come back. "

Having endured four knee reconstructions so far in his career, the groin problem was the last thing Menzel needed in his quest to secure another year.

He'll again become a restricted free agent at season's end, with coach Chris Scott having previously conceded the forward's injury history will likely mean he's only ever offered 12-month deals.

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