DEAN Kent, who has been one of Melbourne’s most impressive performers this pre-season, says he’s can’t wait to be part of the team’s forward line in 2016.

Kent, who missed most of last year with a serious hamstring injury, says he’s excited about what Melbourne could achieve in attack this year.

“I’m looking forward to 2016 and playing up forward with Hoges (Jesse Hogan) and [James] Harmes and I can’t wait to get back out there,” he told Dee TV.

“This was my first [full] pre-season, so it’s definitely been a highlight.

“I got through pre-season unscathed and I only missed a few training sessions, which was really good.”

Kent said his hamstring problems of 2015 were now behind him.

“It’s settled pretty well now. Once I got back to running, it was a slow process,” he said.

“I went back to Casey twos last year and had another nick there, so I missed another six weeks, but it is all fine now.

“I’ve got a pretty gross scar there, but apart from that, it’s now pain free.”

Kent said the squad had some high intensity training in the lead-up to this Saturday’s NAB Challenge clash against Port Adelaide in Elizabeth.

“The boys are excited and there are plenty of fit guys ready to put their hand up,” he said.

“Hopefully we go to South Australia and get a win – that’s what we’re looking for.”

Kent said playing in round one was his first genuine goal for 2016.

“I’ll put my hand up for round one and then [I want] to play consistent footy after that,” he said.

“I felt last year I was about to hit that consistency with playing some good games leading up to my injury, but now I’ve just got to take it week by week.

“There are no records to play 22 or 23 games – I just want to stay injury free and make sure I put my hand up every week.”