Geelong forward Daniel Menzel could make his long awaited return as early as next week.
Coach Chris Scott said he needs to play one more week in the VFL before being considered for selection in the senior side, but since returning the the reserves side in July, Menzel has been in brilliant form.
Scott said he does not want to place unreasonable expectations on Menzel, given he is returning from four knee reconstructions.
"We're thinking harder about it," Scott said.
"He'll definitely play in the VFL this week and then I think we're at the point where we start to make some selection decisions.
"[I'm] by no means guaranteeing he'll play AFL football the week after this one but it's the first week we'll be starting to consider it," Scott said.