Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon says his AFL pre-season is on target despite missing a chunk of training because of ankle surgery.
Dixon had surgery on his left ankle last November after being troubled throughout his career.
Ankle ailments hampered the key forward at Gold Coast, before his first season at Port last year was ended early by further problems.
"I have had loose ankles and that has been a problem," Dixon said on Monday.
"It was just something that wasn't getting better (so) it was best to tighten it up and strengthen it up.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"They (surgeons) weren't 100 per cent sure when they went in there, they did a little bit of a clean out. They ended up drilling through it and tightening it up with a couple cords.
"I wasn't too fussed. I was just worried about when I could be back."
Dixon expects to play a half of Port's intra-club trial match this Friday ahead of their first pre-season game on February 23.
The 26-year-old said he was aiming to improve on his output last year - 30 goals in 18 games.
"I don't think it was my best season," Dixon said, adding he was initially surprised at the fan and media attention in Adelaide, after spending five years with Gold Coast.
"Being in Adelaide, it's pretty ruthless," he said.
"You guys (media) love to get on and off us, so do the rest of the supporters.
"It's very fierce competition. For myself, it was definitely an eye opener.
"I'm a little bit more comfortable with where I am at and looking forward to this season."
