Former Swan and Cat Dan Menzel has set his sights on proving to AFL clubs he is worth considering in the 2020 mid-season draft as he attacks a pre-season injury free for the first time since he injured his knee in 2011.

The 28-year-old has joined SANFL club Central District as a player and non-match day assistant coach with such a spring in his step that he is convinced he will have something to offer again if the opportunity to return to the AFL arises.

Sydney delisted Menzel after just one season as they retained Tom Papley and added Lewis Taylor to their list, with Menzel, the unlucky forward who underwent four knee reconstructions while at Geelong, seemingly finishing his career on 80 games after 10 years on an AFL list.

"The mid-season draft is definitely what I am aiming at," Menzel said.