Having starred in his first match in almost four years, Geelong forward Daniel Menzel says his next major challenge is to train - pain free - through the pre-season.
Menzel was a stand-out against Collingwood on Friday night, booting a goal in each quarter, claiming a career-high 20 disposals and even offering a mark-of-the-year candidate with a high-flying grab in the final term.
Now out of finals contention, the Cats face the difficult job of culling some of their premiership veterans, as they look to regenerate the list through the possible additions of Patrick Dangerfield, Lachie Henderson and Scott Selwood.
It's understood Jimmy Bartel has been told he will be given a contract extension but Steven Johnson, who faces scrutiny for a bump on Nathan Brown, Mathew Stokes, Corey Enright and James Kelly may not be back next year.
In the meantime, next week's round-23 clash against the Crows will give supporters the chance to possibly say goodbye to some of those premiership stars, while also continuing to witness arguably the feel-good story of the season - Menzel's comeback from four knee reconstructions.
Having not played a senior match since the 2011 qualifying final, Menzel, who turns 24 next month, understands he still has work to do, and hopes the ongoing pain in his knee can subside during a full pre-season.
"There is massive plans for me. I think I am moving pretty well but, absolutely, change of direction and agility, those things still can definitely go up a lot," he said.
"That will be a big focus in the pre-season, just to adapt, and to be honest, to train every session, with no pain because, at the moment, I don't train most sessions without any pain. It's still something that we manage. Hopefully, next year it will almost go away."
Surrounded post-match by family and friends in the MCG dressingroom, and later during a chat with club president Colin Carter, Menzel was a man at peace with the world after a rugged four years. However, the next few days will be challenging.
"There is complete confidence (in the knee) but I do get a couple of knocks, stingers during the game which makes it a little bit sore. After all my VFL games, it was sore too," he said.
"It takes usually until Tuesday and Wednesday until I actually feel pretty good again. That is something that we have had to manage this season.
"I had tendonitis in my knee for two years and it stopped me from playing. I still have a little bit of that but all the preparation and drilling I do, that allows me to get up for the weekend and play. It's something that adapts over time.
"Next week will be the same. It will be sore as well but I'll be fine come game day. Then, hopefully, over pre-season it will adapt and get much better."
As he detailed his night back, and the work he and his physiotherapist Mark Young had done, Menzel mentioned the letters 'MTMF' - Mental Toughness, Mental Fortitude - etched on one of the wrist-bands he only slips off when playing.
"I have worn these for the past three years since I have done a few of my ACLs. I have had incredible support and all the messages that I get, whenever I read them, it just makes me want to come back for everyone else," he said.
"Whenever I wear that, which is all the time other than when I play, it just gives me that reminder that I have that support there and I am not doing this on my own."
Coach Chris Scott said Menzel and Nathan Vardy, another long-term knee injury victim who has also just returned to senior action, would be part of the club's rebuilding plans.
"I'm just so excited for him (Menzel), but now we have to knuckle down and make sure this is a long term thing with Dan and with Nathan Vardy, and we can build something great for this footy club," Scott said.
