WHILE Melbourne co-captain Jack Trengove still has his fingers crossed that he'll play in round one, he admits the club will err on the side of caution as he recovers from a navicular stress fracture in his left foot.

Trengove began running two weeks ago and is undertaking a mini pre-season, with the first round a little over six weeks away.

The injury, identified in early December, forced Trengove to wear a moon boot and engage in non-weight bearing training for six weeks.

He also missed the club's pre-season training camp in Darwin.

With that period of frustration behind him, Trengove's priority is to make sure he recovers fully before returning.

"My aim is to get back [for round one]. Whether or not that happens, we'll just have to wait and see because it is a day-to-day thing in terms of how it recovers each day after a big session," Trengove told AFL.com.au.

Amid the bad luck, Trengove has found some positives. The injury was found early and he managed to avoid surgery. He also has teammates Jack Grimes and Colin Garland, who have suffered similar injuries in the past, on hand to provide advice.

And he has some reassuring news for those who immediately think of the effect a navicular injury had on former players such as James Hird and Matthew Egan when they hear the term used.

"In terms of where the fracture is, it's not in the really bad spot," Trengove said.

The Demons skipper will keep running for another fortnight to re-build strength into his legs before joining skills sessions and then full training again.

He indicated that the time off his legs might have regenerated his enthusiasm for pounding the pavement.

"When you have the ability to walk and run taken away from you, once you get back, you just cherish [running] so much more," Trengove said.

"I'm loving every minute of being out on the track now and just want to get back out because games are starting [soon]."

The club remains confident that Trengove, who has a good fitness base, will regain his endurance quicker than many players might if faced with the same circumstance.

It's just another challenge for a player that has learned more than most since being appointed one of the club's co-captains in 2012 at the age of 20.

The laconic grin remains as he looks forward to putting the lessons of the recent past to good use.

"I've probably learned a lot more than any 21-year-old should have but while it was tough during periods throughout last year I definitely will be a better player because of it," Trengove said.