Steven Motlop has returned in far better shape than he did last pre-season, as he looks to put a disappointing year behind him.

The enigmatic star returned to pre-season training last year visibly overweight and it subsequently resulted in an up and down season for the 25-year-old, which culminated in being put on the trade table by the Cats.

However, new part-time forwards coach, Brad Johnson, says he has been impressed with Motlop after just a few sessions down at the Cattery, with the forwardย  โ€œready to sink his teeth into a big pre-seasonโ€.

โ€œI actually saw him in Darwin last week ... and he (Motlop) was at the Michael Long learning centre where theyโ€™ve got the big facility up there which is just first-class and he utilised that (to train) through his entire break, which is good to hear and great to see because we know the impact a Steve Motlop can have, especially when heโ€™s fit and firing and in the right space," Johnson said.

The Bulldogs' legend also said a number of younger Cats are ready have break seasons.

โ€œFrom the guys that Iโ€™ll work with I think Nakia Cockatoo is really developing into his body really well. He looks really fit at the moment โ€” I know thereโ€™s a long way to go before the season starts โ€” but heโ€™s one thatโ€™s hit the ground running,โ€ Johnson said.

โ€œAnd then all the other guys (are looking pretty good), look Iโ€™ve done a couple of sessions so far ... Jordan Murdochโ€™s moving pretty well, so thereโ€™s a few guys that are in pretty good form.โ€

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