KEY POSITION player Nathan Vardy will step up his training load this week as he moves closer to a long-awaited comeback.

Vardy hasn’t played at any level this season after suffering knee problems that relate to the reconstruction he underwent early last year.

But the talented 24-year-old, who has battled almost constant injuries during his AFL career, is now fit and raring to go.

“The big fella’s looking really confident - jumping and moving well,” Cats physio Mark Young said on the latest episode of nib Medical Room.

“He’s going to move into full training now, and we’ll look to give him a few weeks of full training before considering a return game.”

nib Medical Room also features Young’s comments on:

* Daniel Menzel (knee), who is set to make his comeback in the VFL this weekend
* James Kelly (ankle)
* Darcy Lang (quad)
* Jordan Cunico (knee)
* Nakia Cockatoo (groin)
* Cam Delaney (foot)
* Rhys Stanley (foot)

To watch the full episode of nib Medical Room click on the video player at the top of the page