SOME of Geelong's biggest names won't begin pre-season training with their teammates until 2010.

The reigning premiers are eager to ward off any mental or physical fatigue after three seasons at the top of the AFL tree.

As a result, they will give many of their stars an extra-long post-season break.

That means elder statesmen such as Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Cameron Mooney and David Wojcinski are unlikely to be required to train at the club in any official capacity before training resumes in January.

Geelong has been a grand finalist in each of the past three seasons, meaning the bulk of its stars have started their pre-season campaigns later than their rivals.

Football manager Neil Balme said the club had handled its previous short turnarounds well and would continue that this summer - but with a more pronounced effect.

"We'll see them all at some stage before then but no, some won't be back full bore until January, that's true," Balme told geelongcats.com.au.

"It's a bit different [this year]. There's been a slightly different focus on making sure they come back right.

"We've had three pretty tough years and a quick turnaround so we're relying on them to look after themselves.

"There's some programs in place to make sure they're okay [but] there's a little less of the having to be there right on the dot."

The Cats strength and conditioning team, medicos, coaches and players discussed the later return to training and agreed it was in their best interests to have a longer lay-off.

Balme said players absent in early weeks would have individually-tailored programs to follow.

"They'll know exactly what they have to do and how they have to do it," he said.

"But they don't actually have to be toeing a line, running around the Tan so to speak, or the Gardens as we have here in Geelong."

Some of the club's youngsters returned to training as early as October 29 while others, including new recruit Marcus Drum, started training this week.

Balme said others would have "staggered starts" in the coming weeks but the club is desperate to ensure its squad is again fresh for another tilt at premiership glory next season.

"The physical side of it is obviously crucial, but they have had three years where they've gone right through," he said.

"They've played as long as possible, so it's been a pretty tough program and they've come through it pretty well."