RECENTLY appointed joint vice-captain Jared Rivers says his new role has given him the belief to take his game to the next level, and ultimately extend his AFL career.
Although still only 26 years old, the 2004 AFL Rising Star is now entering his ninth AFL season.

The general of Melbourne’s defence had to contend with two riddled seasons in 2007-08, which halted his career temporarily. But, he bounced back to play 38 matches from 2009-10, while still battling some nagging injuries.

The leader in Melbourne’s defence says his new position - although he was previously in the leadership group - has given him the assurance to step up in 2011.

“It’s definitely given me a lot more confidence - not only with myself, but with the coaching staff, the board and also the playing group,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“To be given that opportunity - after having a few years off with injury and missing so many games - I now think it’s going to add a few years to my game, now that I’m over them.

“Missing almost two full years, I feel great and I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in my career. I reckon my best footy is ahead of me and I can’t wait for round one, so we can show the supporters what we’ve got.”

Although it can become a cliché at this time of the year, it’s easy to believe Rivers has had one of his best pre-seasons, considering the challenges he has faced with his body in recent times.

“It’s been great this pre-season. I’m feeling a lot fitter and stronger and the boys have been working really hard,” he said.

“From that point-of-view, it’s been one of the club’s best pre-seasons for a long time, so that’s given the boys a lot of confidence leading into the NAB Cup and round one.”

As part of the revamped leadership group, Rivers has seen first-hand the impact new skipper Brad Green is having on the group.    

“Brad is definitely the big dog in the group and he loves that challenge and we support him in everything he does,” he said.

“We get together once a week and catch up to see how everything is going. But if we need to catch up more or do things differently, then we catch up more regularly.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Brad. The way he’s gone about it has been fantastic and the boys are right behind him.”

He said the injection of Jack Grimes and Nathan Jones into the leadership group had been a positive. 

“It’s been pretty structured the last few years, but to have Grimesy and Jonesy - it’s great. They’re still young, but their enthusiasm is good for the older guys,” Rivers said.

“It’s great for us in the leadership group, and we’re pretty honest with each other, which helps.

“We always challenge each other, which is great and it’s great to have that extra responsibility. But I’ve been going about it the same way, especially from a backline point-of-view.

“We’re pretty strong down there with the standards we set and they all work hard, so we don’t have to do too much different.”

Rivers said it was “scary” to think he is among Melbourne’s oldest players, although he sits seventh behind Brad Green, Robert Campbell, Aaron Davey, Mark Jamar, Brent Moloney, Matthew Warnock and Joel Macdonald. 

“It keeps you on the ball, but I’m still only 26, so I don’t find myself that old,” he said.

“I’ve still got a sense of humour and I try and throw a few jokes in to keep myself young.

“The whole playing group gets along really well, which helps and we all hang out together and enjoy each others’ company, so that’s always a bonus.”