SAM Menegola is nearing a return to full health after post-season knee surgery limited his pre-Christmas training participation.

The goal-kicking mid who bagged 22 goals in 2018 told the Geelong Advertiser the minor procedure shouldn’t limit his output in the new year.

“I just had some right knee stuff that was hanging around, but we think it is tracking the right way and I should be back soon and slogging it out with the boys,” Menegola said.

 “There were a couple of little niggles at the end of last year that we are just letting settle down, so post-Christmas I should be right back into it which will be good.”

Menegola says his current timeline should have him on track to play competitive pre-season football.

“Our focus has really been how it looks leading up to and during the Christmas period, but I would have thought I would be back in full training early enough for those (JLT) matches,” he said.

“It was just a little scope, nothing big deal, but just enough to tidy it up … it was definitely on the minor end.”

The 26-year-old is looking forward to join forces with some of the club’s new recruits.

 “Both of the guys we got through the trade period, Gary (Rohan) and Dal (Luke Dahlhaus), have both brought some real energy and some different ideas, which guys from other clubs tend to do, which has been really exciting,” Menegola said.

“We have just got such a big group of young guys, which in itself is exiting with the energy and enthusiasm they bring.”

“I’m enjoying that group as a whole and even the second and third year guys are feeling more comfortable and are starting to talk up more, so that energy has been something we have been able to pick up on.”