Knee surgery delays star Cat's return to training

GEELONG defender Zach Tuohy will face a delayed start to pre-season after having a minor procedure to clean up his injured knee.

The durable Irishman was a notable absentee as the rest of his senior teammates returned to training with a punishing two-and-a-half-hour session at Deakin University on Tuesday.

Tuohy was put under the knife with his knee not fully recovered after pulling up sore following Geelong's elimination final loss to Melbourne before he returned home to Ireland.

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He is expected to be able to start running before the club's Christmas leave and will resume on the weight-bearing Alter-G treadmill as soon as next week.

Currently holding the AFL's longest active consecutive games streak with 138, Tuohy last missed a game in 2012.

He is not expected to be in any doubt for Geelong's round one encounter with Collingwood.

Speedster Nakia Cockatoo was another to miss the session, recovering along with midfielder Jordan Cunico – the pair recently having their tonsils removed.

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Defender Lachie Henderson took part in most drills but also ran laps on his own at times, returning from a season he finished on the park after three knee surgeries.

Recruits Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan had their biggest sessions of the pre-season, while Scott Selwood moved freely, hoping for his first injury-free summer for a number of years.

Gary Rohan in action with his new teammates. Picture: AFL Photos

Third-year forward Esava Ratugolea (ankle), who has been back at training for a fortnight, had his biggest session to date, ramping up running with Wylie Buzza (foot).

The rehab group also included Lachie Fogarty, Ryan Abbott and Jamaine Jones, while Jed Bews ran countless laps as he works back from post-season shoulder surgery.

Speedster Nakia Cockatoo was a notable absentee, recovering from having his tonsils removed following discomfort in recent weeks.

Mature-age draftees Tom Atkins and Darcy Fort joined in parts of the session, while local products Oscar Brownless and Blake Schlensog watched on with their families as part of a club induction.

Interstate draftees are expected at the club in the coming days before they are unveiled later in the week.

The club's second-to-fourth year players will head down the coast over the next three days for a leadership and bonding camp in Lorne.

Gary Ablett lays a tackle on Tim Kelly. Picture: AFL Photos