Scott Thompson says the Roos have embraced their tough draw and can’t wait for the challenges that lie ahead next season.

“It’s a pretty tough draw but it’s going to show us where we’re at,” Thompson told kangaroos.com.au.

“If we play well, start well…we can do anything.  So a tough fixture at the start, but if we win a few of the early ones, it will set us up nicely for a good year and hopefully more finals.”

The thought of having a settled backline is particularly pleasing for the 26-year old.

“It’s very exciting…to have Nathan Grima, down there…Scotty McMahon, Atts, Spud and some of the younger guys as well, we can improve so much still and it going to be exciting times ahead.”

With the coaches still working on their plans, the veteran defender hopes they leave Shaun Atley in defence.

“Towards the end of the year we really settled our backline and hopefully we can keep Atts down there because he gives so much run and rebound.  He’s great for us and you could see toward the end of the year the backline clicked and it really helped the whole team.

“Once we get a consistent line-up we can work off each other and drive the ball out of there.”

To ensure the backline is functioning at its best, Thompsons says every member must be working hard on their weaknesses.  For him, that’s fitness.

“It’s probably one of my weaker sides, but I just need to keep working on that.  Everyone is flying and the competition among the boys is great at the moment.”

Being in Utah just days after the Syd Barker medal, the defender hasn’t had might time to reflect on the night and his sensational performance.

“I got a bit nervous in the count towards the end because I wasn’t close initially but came home pretty hard,” he said.

“It’s the second time I’ve come second to him… I think Andrew deserved to win, and he had a sensational year.

“I knew I had a better second half of the year and I knew I’d come home strong but not that strong.”