DANIEL Menzel is aiming high as he begins his first full pre-season since 2011.

The 24-year-old was one of the heartwarming story of Geelong’s 2015 campaign, returning from his fourth knee reconstruction to feature in the Cats’ last two home and away games.

His comeback game, in which he kicked four goals and took a screamer in a Friday night clash with Collingwood at the MCG, showed he still has the talent and desire to achieve his potential.

And he has hit the training track intent on being ready to fire for the start of the Cats’ 2016 campaign.

“This will only be my second pre-season that I’ve done [since being selected by the Cats with pick 17 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft],” Menzel told geelongcats.com.au. “Hence why I’m excited going into it.

“There’s a lot of anticipation around the place anyway, but for me to actually do a pre-season and [be fit going] into round one or even NAB one, is something different.

“Just to be able to train with the boys in pre-season is something different.

“It’s something I’ll never take for granted.”

Menzel has set himself some lofty goals as he looks towards next season.

“I expect to play the majority of the year next year," he said.

"Obviously, we’ll have hiccups along the way. There’ll be a couple of limitations that we’ll work on and be right on top of.

“But I see myself playing a large part of the 2016 season, as most of our players should do.”