Menzel on track for round one

Cats midfielder Paul Chapman is expected to play this weekend.

Geelong forward Daniel Menzel is on track to play in round one in the VFL, according to forward coach James Rahilly.

“That was the plan a few weeks ago and nothing has changed. His progress has been really good,” Rahilly said.

“He will do a bit on the track today, the first 15 to 20 minutes, with a lot of change of direction drills and he’ll join the forwards for a divisional training session.

“He sees it’s not too far away, he’s pretty excited and we’re excited too.”

Menzel has undergone three knee reconstructions and has not played for 18 months.

Rahilly confirmed Paul Chapman was fine after being subbed out of the senior game against Adelaide as a precautionary measure.

“He’ll train today and there’s no reason he wouldn’t play on the weekend,” Rahilly said.

Small forward Matthew Stokes, who injured an ankle in the first round of the pre-season competition, was still in a rehabilitation program, he said.

“He might struggle to play this week, even though he’s a quick healer, he says so himself,” Rahilly said.

But Stokes would probably play in the final pre-season round, he said.