YOUNG midfielder Jimmy Toumpas concedes he’s had a frustrating start to his AFL career, but remains upbeat that he can have strong 2015 after an impressive pre-season so far.

Toumpas, who battled hip problems in his first season and appendicitis during 2014, has been in strong form on the track. Despite some hiccups early, Toumpas is genuinely optimistic about the future.

“It’s definitely not been ideal [so far],” he told Dee TV.

“It’s not the start that I imagined I’d come to in the AFL system but I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve learned a lot so far and definitely feel like I’ve improved as a player and a person as well.

“Hopefully, it will keep building and I can really cement my spot in the team -which I know I can – so hopefully get another good preseason behind me.”

Toumpas acknowledged that he “definitely” felt pressure to perform at the highest level, after being selected at No.4 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.

“More externally really – the club has never put too much pressure on me,” he said.

“Whatever draft pick you come in at, they treat everyone the same which is ideal and very good and is the way that it should be.

“The media probably have put a little external pressure on me and I’m pretty hard on myself as well so definitely a little bit of pressure here and there. But the club has been awesome to me so I feel like I’m in a good spot at the moment.”

Toumpas said the pre-Christmas training had been the toughest he had experienced so far.

“Roosy has really stepped it up a notch,” he said.

“We’re probably running 40-plus kilometers a week which is pretty solid and the boys really love it.

“I’m feeling pretty fit myself so hopefully I keep that up until March or April when we start playing games and get some continuity in training levels.”