JIMMY Toumpas says he’s itching to be part of Melbourne’s long-term midfield brigade.

Toumpas said it was an exciting time to be at Melbourne given several emerging ball winners have joined the club in recent times.

“You look around in team meetings and you think far out, we’re going to be a pretty good side in three to four years,” he said.

“[Jack] Viney, [Dom] Tyson, [Jay] Kennedy-Harris, [Christian] Petracca, [Angus] Brayshaw – it’s a pretty decent lineup and it’s going to be tough for selection as well which is the way we want it to be.

“It hasn’t been like that too often in the previous few years so it’s good to have some real competition now for spots and it’s a really exciting future.”

Toumpas said he was looking to build up some skills and ultimately secure a place in Melbourne’s best 22 in 2015.

“I’ll probably develop more of my contested ball side and look to finish the pre-season really strongly,” he said.

“Then I’ll probably reassess my goals for 2015 again, just looking to cement a spot in the side and hopefully get a few more wins.”