ANYBODY who has watched Test match cricket will have some empathy and sympathy for a batsman who pieces together a patient innings only to stall on 99. So it is for Shannon Byrnes.

The speedy Cats small forward ended last season on 99 AFL games, but a knee injury has stranded Byrnes just one appearance away from the magical 100 since the ball bounced to open the 2011 campaign.

Fortunately, Byrnes might be just two or three weeks away from finally touching three figures at AFL level after successfully returning to action with Geelong’s VFL line-up last weekend.

Although the Cats lost to the Bendigo Bombers - extending a winless start to the VFL season - Byrnes snagged a goal and got enough touches to suggest he will soon be knocking on the door for selection in his 100th AFL game.

``The main goal for the weekend was just to get through the game unscathed and get through a few tests,’’ Byrnes said. ``I got tackled pretty hard a few times and the knee held up all right so more than anything I’m just happy to get through the match.

``I played about 80 per cent (of the game) so that’s not too bad. I wouldn’t have played much more than that normally so it was a full run pretty much. I mainly played forward and had a little go in the midfield, so I’ll probably play more in the midfield second game back. See how it goes.’’

More importantly than form and match fitness for Byrnes was that the two-time premiership player’s knee came through the game without any adverse reactions. While Byrnes’ body offered up a familiar post-game soreness, the knee was fine.

``I was worried a little bit about how the knee would react and I’ve pulled up really well,’’ Byrnes said. ``I couldn’t be happier with how my body held up after the first run. I’m enjoying that soreness. I haven’t had it for a while.

``I haven’t been injured for this long ever so I’ve got a respect for blokes who are injured for long periods because it’s no fun on the sidelines.’’

Fingers crossed for Byrnes the sidelines can be left behind now and he can achieve the significant milestone of 100 games, which is pretty special for a player who started out on the rookie list and forged his AFL career without any favours.

It has been frustrating for Byrnes sitting on 99 games, although that is more to do with just not playing than being within touching distance of his AFL century. Hopefully the month of June will provide the opportunity for that milestone and a family celebration.

``It’s probably been worse for the family point of view,’’ Byrnes said. ``I get my aunties, uncles and cousins always asking when I’m going to play my 100th. It’s not too far away and I can put it to rest.

``I reckon another two in the VFL and then it’s just up to my form, I suppose, and I should be fine for match fitness by then. See how we go.’’