COMING off his best pre-season, Melbourne defender Jared Rivers says he is injury-free and ready to recover the form that saw him win the 2004 AFL Rising Star award.

Rivers managed only 45 games between 2005 and 2008, but he is buoyed by the confidence of playing 20 matches in 2009 and looking to build on last year's solid return.

Coach Dean Bailey has publicly stated that Rivers has been among the club's best pre-season trainers, something the defender has not been able to achieve in the past.

"I've been on the track nearly every session and I haven't been able to do that for about four or five years," he told afl.com.au.

"A big pre-season can build you up for the season. I've had no concerns over the pre-season and being appointed to the leadership group has been fantastic for me as well.

"It gives you a lot of confidence knowing you've done all of the work and it definitely gets you cherry ripe for the season ahead. I'm up for any challenge at the moment."

Rivers had operations on his right and left groins in 2007 and 2008, where he only managed nine games for the Dees, but through working on his core last year has managed to avoid further problems.

He said fixing his groin problems was a huge relief last season and he given him a great deal more confidence in his game.

"I've also done things outside of footy to help maintain my inner strength around my groins," Rivers said.

"Getting those things physically right makes you mentally a lot better to go out there and play."

Preparing for his first season in Melbourne's leadership group, Rivers says while the elevation was a great honour, he knows he must live up to the responsibility that comes along with it.

"I'm 25 and in the top 11 oldest guys at the club, so it shows how young our list is," Rivers said.

"I've always been a quiet type of guy, but the way I play helps. I play through my actions and go hard at the ball and do my bit for the team.

"It's great to have that recognition and it's good to show some leadership to the young boys. We know we've got a lot of improvement [in us]."