Young Geelong AFL forward Mitch Brown will this week undergo surgery to have a plate removed from his leg, and is hopeful of resuming running soon.

Brown, 19, needed a plate inserted alongside the fibula in his left leg after he broke the bone in a VFL practice match during the 2009 pre-season.

The Cats are hopeful their first pick in the 2008 national draft can resume running in six weeks and play again early in the season.

Brown is yet to play a senior game for the Cats.

Geelong football manager Neil Balme said the reigning premier was pleased with Brown's recovery, but would not rush him in his return given the injury he suffered.

"Mitch will have a long career with us and the injury he suffered was significant, so we will not rush him back," Balme said.

"He had some pain in the area recently and we sent him for more tests to ascertain what the issue was.

"After consulting with the surgeon it was agreed that this is the best course of action."

Brown will also have a bone spur removed, which has caused him pain.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP