Geelong AFLW star Melissa Hickey has given an update on her recovery from an ACL tear ahead of the 2019 season.

Hickey injured her knee in Round 6 last year playing for the Demons, but has since joined the Cats who are entering the competition.

“I jumped into full contact training on Saturday,” Hickey told SEN Afternoons.

“The fitness is good so obviously being among the congestion again, I felt a little better each day with each session and doing that match simulation.

“I’m feeling fit, feeling strong and confident in the knee which can be the main psychological hurdle of a knee reconstruction.

“I’m looking forward to doing more match-play stuff.”

It’s hard to predict what to expect from Geelong given their team is made up of a blend of their existing VFLW team, experienced AFLW stars and those they picked up in the draft – including picks one and two.

Hickey said the group gelled fast and hopes the mix gives them an edge.

“I think our advantage is having that group of 20 girls who played quite a bit of VFLW footy together,” Hickey said.

“Add myself and Aasta O’Connor and Meg McDonald and a few other experienced girls and some of the most talented 18-year-old’s going around so I feel like we’ve got a really nice mix.

“Hopefully it means we’ll be right up there come the end of the season.”

Geelong will kick the 2019 AFLW season off against Collingwood.

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