NEVILLE Jetta says he was happy to get through the season injury-free after amassing a career-high 21 games in 2016.

The 26-year-old missed only one game due to suspension after being charged for striking Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli in round eight.

“Getting through the year unscathed was [my personal highlight],” he told Melbourne TV.

“I feel like this year was set-up by my off-season last year. I just wanted to get a lot fitter and back up the years that I’d had before, so it all starts with your off-season and then leads into pre-season and being able to get through every session.

“The season should then look after itself body-wise.”

The defender said he had worked hard to improve the offensive side of his game this year under the directive of Paul Roos and Simon Goodwin.

“It was a big thing that Roosy and Simon Goodwin put on me in the pre-season last year,” he said.

“I really needed to get involved and help the ball movement going forward and keep making good decisions; I’ve got to be able to get into a good position to receive the ball to make good decisions.

“It’s just about getting the ball out of the backline as quickly as possible but using the right method.”

From a team perspective, Jetta said the season had brought many positives despite ending with disappointing losses to both Carlton and Geelong.

“I feel like we’ve improved but I also feel like we should have been there in the finals,” he said.

“When the younger guys close the gap between their best and worst games and the older blokes keep being consistent, we’ll improve a lot quicker across the board.

“The older guys have got to drive that as well and keep the standards high for the young ones.”