Midfielder Scott Thompson says he’s close to a return to full training after post-season hip surgery.

Thompson, 30, played all 22 games last year despite a niggling hip complaint. The two-time Crows Club Champion had minor arthroscopic hip surgery in October after the injury failed to improve with rest over the break.

Thompson started running just prior to Christmas and said he expected to join his teammates on the track soon.

“I’m not too far off joining the main group. It’ll be good to get back out there and run around with the boys,” Thompson told FIVEaa.

“I’m a bit behind the eight ball in terms of football work but I’ve done a mountain of cross training – I feel like I should be doing triathlon not footy. I’ve done a heap of swimming, cycling, boxing and work on the elliptical machines to maintain a strong fitness base.”

Forward Josh Jenkins, who has recovered from a fractured leg, completed his first full session of the pre-season on Monday, while Tom Lynch is back running after foot surgery, which ended his 2013 season prematurely.

Defender Brent Reilly, who had a shoulder reconstruction in July, is being eased into full-scale contact training, while Taylor Walker is running at 85-90 per cent speed in his recovery from serious knee surgery. His next challenge will be agility work.

Thompson said the players were already eyeing off the first NAB Challenge game against Port Adelaide at Richmond Oval on Sunday, February 16.

“There’s a good feeling and plenty of spirit within the group at the moment,” he said.

“We’re looking good and can’t wait for the start of the season, and before that the NAB Challenge games, where I’m sure we’ll see a few new faces.”

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