Sam Simpson is feeling fitter than ever and looking to put his injury troubles behind him.

The second-year Cat spent the early part of 2018 watching on from the sidelines but is now looking to get back to his best.

The knee injury suffered over the preseason was a frustrating setback for Simpson after his impressive debut season in 2017.

“I had some fluid hanging around in my knee that wouldn’t go away so it probably took a lot longer than the physios expected,” Simpson said.

“It was quite frustrating knowing that one day you could wake up and it would be better but it didn’t quite get up for a while.”

Simpson returned in round six of the VFL season and has continually stepped up his workload over the past three weeks.

The skilful midfielder took a big step towards an AFL return on Saturday, totalling 28 disposals, seven marks, five tackles and his first VFL goal in the Cats’ six-goal victory over Williamstown.

Whilst his form is trending upwards, Simpson is just happy to get through games unscathed.

“In matches, you get the little hits but I’m getting through fine,” he said.

“Every week you get a bit more of a blowout and I felt good (on Saturday) so I just want to keep improving on my craft and getting better each week.”

The biggest difference this season is Simpson’s size, as the midfielder was able to bulk up during his prolonged preseason.

“Being in rehab, you get a lot more time to do weights,” Simpson said.

“Since I’ve come here, I’ve put on about 14 or 15kgs which has been quite a bit.”

The extra weight has given Simpson a confidence boost to be more physical around the contests and he believes it will make him a better player in the long run.

“In the contest, it is good for the confidence and tackling as well, knowing that you can hold your own,” he said.

“I’m probably getting used to carrying it in games and I feel quite good with my fitness.”

Geelong’s VFL coach Shane O’Bree has been pleased with Simpson since his return from injury and believes his added size makes him a more rounded player.

“Simmo has put some size on since last year and has had a long preseason so he looks stronger,” O’Bree said.

“His footwork is his asset and but (the weight) just adds different elements to his game.”

Along with making changes to his body and training, Simpson is also becoming a more versatile footballer on gameday.

To increase the chances of earning an AFL recall, the young Cat has been tested in a variety of positions in the VFL, including recently spending time up forward.

“I’m trying to be versatile in my role and play where I’m needed, so it is a little bit different but I’m enjoying it,” Simpson said.

“It’s just to keep improving on my craft, playing that forward role and holding the lanes and being smart with the footy, I have a lot to work on but I’m trying to improve every week.”

Whilst his development puts him in good stead for a return to senior football, Simpson is hopeful he can put together a good block of form in the VFL first.

“It’s about playing your role until then and if it happens, it happens,” Simpson said on his chances of AFL selection.

“There is hope that there is spots and we want that healthy competition for spots within the club.”

The VFL Cats will travel to IKON Park on Saturday to face the Northern Blues.