IN-FORM Geelong forward Daniel Menzel will be rested from games this year to ensure his body remains healthy.

Menzel, 25, has booted 10 goals in three games, ranked equal-fourth in the AFL, and has produced the best football of his career since undergoing four knee reconstructions starting in 2011. 

However, given he has only played 23 games in six seasons Menzel is keenly aware that managing his body will be important for the longevity of his career.

Menzel was on light duties at Geelong's main training session on Wednesday as part of that ongoing management.

"I'm not going to play 15 games in a row," he said. 

"It's not realistic for me and I had a little chop-out in training today. I could've trained the full training and felt pretty good but we're going to be smart with this. 

"Last year, I limped to the finish line and I don't want that to happen again. 

"When it comes the time that I have to rest, I might not want to but it's going to be the best thing for me." 

Despite not completing a full pre-season because of a lingering groin injury, Menzel said his body was holding up as well as ever.

"The biggest thing for me is the body itself and it's as good as I've felt since 2011 when I did my first knee," he said.

"For a long time I knew what I could bring but the body didn't back that up and that was frustrating.

"I'm not just content with playing three good weeks of footy but knowing going into a game that my body's going to be able to perform near 100 per cent is really pleasing."

Menzel, who is set to play his 45th AFL game, will line up in his first Easter Monday clash against Hawthorn at the MCG and said he would relish the chance to perform on the big stage.

"I've watched so many from the sidelines and the atmosphere's unreal so it's fair to say I've been envious of the blokes playing," Menzel said.

"It will be nice to actually be out there this week."

The unbeaten Cats are expecting a fired-up Hawthorn on Monday after the Hawks' winless start to the season.

Hawthorn is coming off an 86-point thrashing at the hands of Gold Coast. Geelong had a hard-fought 29-point win over Melbourne, with its accuracy in front of goal the major difference in the game.

"We know they're going to bounce back, regardless," Menzel said.

"I would be shocked if they didn't. They're going to bring a lot more than they did on the weekend, they won't be happy with that. 

"It's laughable to me that people don't think this is going to be a contest."