DYNAMIC Cat Nakia Cockatoo is ready for a much-awaited return to football via the VFL this weekend.



The explosive Cat has been sidelined for the last 12 months as he works his way back from a PCL injury he suffered in the VFL in July of last year.

Cats coach Chris Scott says the club will cautiously reintroduce Cockatoo to football, but won’t be limiting what he can offer the club this season.

“He’s had the preparation that means he can come back in and perform,” Scott says.

“Our expectation is not that he’ll force his way into our team towards the end of the year. That’s not what our timing’s about, it’s more a longer term play but we won’t put a ceiling on it.

“He won’t play high game time, that’s just prudent after missing so much footy.”

“He’s a talented player and our priority is to make sure he plays ten years at Geelong as opposed to squeezing his way into the team over the next month.”

Sam Menegola is another Cat getting closer to a return, with Scott declaring it would happen sooner rather than later.

“We’re keen to get him back into the team – it’s only a matter of time,” Scott said.

“Whether it’s this week or next week, we haven’t quite made up our minds, yet.

“I don’t think it will be difficult to get him in. He’s been a really high-level performer for us.”