Geelong midfielder Cam Guthrie turned to ballet to overcome injury nightmare.

The champion midfielder hopes to bounce back after missing nearly the entire 2023 season

Geelong premiership midfielder Cam Guthrie turned to ballet in a bid to help his recovery after nightmare year ruined by injury.

Guthrie has barely been injured throughout his 236-game career, but his 2023 season was prematurely ended in Round 6 after a foot injury.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Cam Guthrie turns to ballet to help rehab.

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The 31-year-old underwent surgery on his toe with the hope of contributing later in the season.

He made his return in the VFL late in the season, but as the Cats lost four of their final five games to miss out on finals, Guthrie didn’t play another senior game.

“I was hopeful I’d be able to come back and contribute in the back half of the year but I didn’t get that chance after going in for surgery,” he told 7NEWS.

Guthrie revealed that a special rehab plan with Australian Ballet physio Susan Mayes helped him get back to full fitness.

“It was an injury that kept getting away from me, sometimes they are the most frustrating,” he said.

“She (Susan) had some great little foot intrinsic exercises that got me back into a shape. A little bit tedious at times, but she did some great work with me and I really appreciate it.”

Guthrie hopes the ballet will help recapture the form that saw him win the 2022 best and fairest as the Cats stormed to the premiership.

“I worked hard over the off-season to put myself in a position where I can hopefully get back and contribute a little bit more in 2024,” he added

The All-Australian is targeting a return to the field in Round 1 at the revamped GMHBA Stadium against St Kilda.

Geelong are coming off a rare season without finals and will be desperate to bounce back.