IT’S A question that Cats fans have been pondering on message boards and social media: Will Nathan Vardy be a forward, a ruckman or both in 2016?

At this stage, even the man himself is unsure?

“It’s a question I’m asking as well,” the 24-year-old told geelongcats.com.au.

“I’d like to think I’ll be a forward going into the ruck, but I think there’s going to be times when I could match up as the No. 1 ruckman against sides better than Zac Smith will or ‘Blitz’ will.”

“The best thing about us big blokes is we can probably all play in the same side. We’re all good runners and very versatile.

“So at the moment I probably don’t really know where I’m going to play, but hopefully I’ll have a spot in the 22.”

Vardy was stuck in the rehab group in the lead-up to the 2015 season as he fought his way back from a serious knee injury.

But he’s rapt to be in such good shape that he can do just about everything this time around.

“It’s been great to be back out with the boys again,” he said.

“I missed last pre-season, so to actually take part in this one has been really good.

“My body is fine. I’m getting general soreness from head to toe, but that’s expected.

“I’m just moving from session to session and just hoping I can string enough together to get a good base together and go into the year flying.”

Vardy didn’t return to Geelong’s AFL team until round 21 of the 2015 season, but he ended up featuring in the Cats’ last three matches.

He kicked two goals in an impressive comeback game against St Kilda, had a quiet outing against Collingwood in round 22, then booted three in a very encouraging performance against Adelaide in round 23.

“It was definitely good mentally for me [to play those games],” Vardy said.

“I missed all of 2014, then at times it looked like I was going to miss 2015 as well.

“So to actually be able to get out there and play, and know that I can get back and play at the top level, was really good mentally for me.

“If I had to roll into another pre-season knowing I haven’t played for two years, it probably would have put a few mental demons in my head.”