Defender Luke Thompson has hit a milestone in his rehabilitation from ankle surgery, joining the main training group for the first time this summer at Max Basheer Reserve on Monday.

Thompson, who played three games last year including finals against Fremantle and Hawthorn, had a post-season operation to repair torn ligaments in his ankle.

The 21-year-old was confined to a moon boot for more than six weeks, and placed on a modified program prior to the Christmas break. On Monday, he completed the majority of training with his teammates and finished the session with a series of one-on-one drills opposite new rehab physio Duncan Kellaway.

Thompson’s inclusion in the main group follows the returns of Bernie Vince (shoulder) and Jared Petrenko (shoulder) last week. Draftees Sam Siggins and Rory Atkins, who are being eased into the full training load, and mature-bodied rookie Kyle Hartigan also completed most of Monday’s session.