YARRAWONGA Morris medallist Tyler Bonat is confident of making his long awaited return from an Achilles injury.
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Bonat missed this season with the complaint.
He hasn't played since the Pigeons' first-semi final loss against Wangaratta last year.
The strongly built midfielder had a MRI scan on the injury yesterday morning and was booked to see his specialist later in the day.
Bonat said he was likely to require minor surgery.
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It could delay his pre-season for up to six weeks.
"The plan is to be fit for round one," Bonat said.
"I've had the MRI done and now I have to meet with the specialist.
"It's a strong possibility I will require surgery to have a bit of a clean up.
"It's not uncommon with Achilles injuries and hopefully I can have the operation before Christmas and then start on my rehab."
The Pigeons missed finals this year for the first time since 2005.
But their finals absence is expected to be short-lived after the recent signing of high-profile Williamstown duo Willie Wheeler and Leigh Masters.
Yarrawonga will boast a star-studded midfield comprising coach Mark Whiley, Xavier Leslie, Wheeler and Bonat.
Masters is regarded as one of the premier defenders in the VFL.
Leslie is set to notch his 300-match milestone early in the season while Bonat could also reach a significant milestone after having played 191 matches.
"I'm not lacking any motivation to get back," he said.
"It would mean a fair bit to me if I could play in Xave's milestone match.
"After missing finals there is a real buzz not only around the club but the whole town after landing a couple of big signings.
"It was a frustrating season this year with a lot of injuries and a lot of young kids being exposed to senior footy.
"There is only so much help you can give them from the sidelines."
