New Cat Nakia Cockatoo has been impressed by the intensity of two of the Cats more senior players at preseason training.

Cockatoo, who played just one game in 2014, has impressed the Cats with his effort in his first AFL preseason.

Speaking to the AFLPA, Cockatoo said he was beginning to feel the results of the gruelling program.

“The body is holding up well. The first week was tough trying to step into training and the gym but it’s coming along nicely now,” Cockatoo told aflplayers.com.au at last week’s AFL Players’ Induction Camp.

“It’s really good and I’m enjoying it a lot. An AFL pre-season is obviously different to any other pre-season I’ve ever done but my body’s adapting well. It’s a lot harder, but it’s rewarding at the same time.”

And Cockatoo has been able to look up to two Cats not generally recognised for their athletic prowess for motivation.

“James Kelly is a super hard trainer and Tom Hawkins as well; he puts in a lot of hard efforts,” Cockatoo said.

“You might not see him run as much as other full forwards but he loves those short contests and short leads. He puts in as much hard work as anyone else at the club. So I’m really trying to learn as much as I can watching these guys up close. I’ve still got a long road ahead.”