Geelong star Gary Ablett says he is on track to play in the AFL's pre-season series after he was a notable absentee from the Cats' practice match against North Melbourne.
Wednesday's hitout against the Roos was initially scheduled to be held at Deakin University but was moved behind closed doors at GMHBA Stadium.
However, Ablett didn't mind telling waiting reporters he didn't take part in the scratch match as he builds towards his 18th AFL season.
"I didn't play at all today, the plan is to get right for next week," Ablett told the AFL's website.
"I did a little bit of cross-training and I'll do some running over the next couple of days.
"The body's feeling good, I've had a good pre-season and I think most of the boys are hanging out for games now."
The 34-year-old is slated to spend more time up forward in 2019 as the Cats look to prolong the two-time Brownlow Medal winner's career.
Geelong's attack will feature two new faces in Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan this season after their arrivals from the Western Bulldogs and Sydney respectively.
The pair took part in the run against North, catching the eye of assistant coach Corey Enright.
"They showed why we brought them in and they worked well together," Enright said.
"... We've got quite a lot of new faces in the group this year, so it's always nice to get out there against some opposition.
"... It's still a work in progress with the new rules.
"We were able to try a few things, but whether we use them in-season or not is a different question.
"It was just nice to try out a few things ... and adapt accordingly."
North Melbourne's Jack Ziebell was another notable absentee, the skipper doing drills on a nearby ground as he works back from a calf injury.
Australian Associated Press
