Fremantle midfielder Nat Fyfe is in "really good condition" and counting down the days until his long-awaited return to football.
Sidelined for the majority of last season after breaking his leg for a second time, Fyfe has impressed on the training track this summer.
"Pre-season, there's not much magic to them, you just stay quiet and do your work," he told Channel Seven.
"I think we're only six weeks away from playing games, so it's exciting."
The 2015 Brownlow medallist was sorely missed after round five during Fremantle's nightmare 2016 campaign, but his return has raised hopes of a Freo revival this season.
Fyfe and young key defender Alex Pearce – who also broke his leg last year – underwent an intensive two-week training camp in Los Angeles in November in a bid to hit the ground running.
"I'm in really good condition at the moment. I've had a couple of stints in LA," Fyfe said.
"That set me up for a big pre-season block, but I'm not getting too excited just yet.
"I'll keep doing the work and wait until March."
Freo will field a new-look side in 2017 after bringing in four readymade players in Bradley Hill, Joel Hamling, Shane Kersten and Cam McCarthy during the NAB AFL Trade Period.
Injury-plagued midfielder Harley Bennell has sought specialist treatment in Germany for his ongoing calf troubles and could effectively be a new recruit after missing all of last season.
And it’s all about looking to the future at Freo after a disappointing 2016 season.
"There's a really good energy at the moment, we’ve had some great new talent come through the doors and some good kids we picked up in the draft," Fyfe said.
"So there's a fresh, exuberant feel amongst the group. It's hopefully a big year."
Fremantle will kick-off its JLT Community Series campaign with a clash against crosstown rivals West Coast in Geraldton on February 25.
