DEAN Kent says he’s itching to show why many regard him to be an integral member of Melbourne’s best 22 next year, after an injury-marred 2015.
Kent, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury for the majority of the season, said that while competition for spots will be tough, he would work hard to get back into the team by round one.
“It’s pretty hard now after missing such a large chunk of A-grade footy. It’s hard to see with guys like James Harmes, Gus [Angus Brayshaw] and Nibbler [Alex Neal-Bullen] coming up and playing,” he told Dee TV.
“If I come back fit and stay away from injuries, I’ll put my hand up for selection [for round one].
“I still see myself in the best twenty-two.”
In the short-term, Kent said that his focus during the pre-season would be on finding consistency after an injury disrupted year.
“You do really need a couple of years of pre-seasons, well for myself anyway, uninterrupted pre-seasons, not just a couple of weeks here and there.
“My first goal that I need to tick off is to make sure that I get through this pre-season with no injuries and the best opportunity to put my hand up.”
One player Kent said he was looking forward to playing alongside is his good friend and fellow Western-Australian, Jesse Hogan.
“We have similar interest and similar personalities although he’s probably a little bit grumpier and sooky but we’ll get through that. Coming to Melbourne and Hoges being here helped me to settle a lot quicker.
“He’s (Hogan) going to be a leader here at some stage and in the forward line he’s a big presence so hopefully I can get under his feet and kick goals.
“I’m just looking forward to working with him over the next few years; I can drive him and he can drive me to make sure we get the best out of ourselves.”
Looking to the future, Kent said he sees himself as a long-term Melbourne player.
“I’d love to be a one-club player and I can’t speak for Hoges but I’d love to play my footy out here. I see myself as a leader and I’ll push to be a leader next year and in the years to come.”
