FREMANTLE midfielder Michael Barlow says he's in the best pre-season shape of his career - despite being unable to mark a ball.
Barlow and teammates with less than four years experience returned to the training track this morning, but an off-season thumb operation will keep the 24-year-old from resuming full ball-work for the next two weeks.
The midfielder suffered ligament damage to his right thumb towards the end of last season.
Despite the minor setback, Barlow said he was thrilled to be fit entering the pre-season following a grinding recovery from his broken leg sustained in 2010.
“Personally, I’m in the best position I have been in my time at the footy club,” Barlow said.
“I’ve been pretty unrestricted over the break running-wise and able to