Defender Aaron Mullett says he is benefiting from a full pre-season campaign and is eager to have an on-field impact after battling form and injury woes last season.

The 23-year-old was limited to just four games for the Roos in 2015 after having left shoulder surgery in January, which sidelined him until May.

Mullett said he had put his shoulder concerns behind him following further minor surgery in the off-season.

"(I) had a little clean out at the end of the year which was a little bit niggly, but it was just something we had to do to make sure the shoulder was going in the right direction … and now it's back to 100 per cent," Mullett told NMFC.com.au on Tuesday.

"This is the first time for a couple of years where I've actually done every session and feeling really confident in my body.

"(I'm) feeling fit so I'm looking forward to this year."

Mullett featured in eight consecutive games for VFL affiliate North Ballarat after overcoming the shoulder operation at the start of last year, before earning a senior recall in round 15 against Geelong.

The crafty half-back said his persistent shoulder problems restricted his ability to play consistently and resume his normal routine.

"I think it was hard and difficult because (my) fitness base was behind, even game fitness was tough to catch up on," Mullett said.

Mullett, who signed a two-year contract extension with North last August, took part in the club's recent intra-club practice matches, displaying glimpses of the offensive drive he demonstrated in his breakthrough 2013 season.

"I'm feeling I can run on top of the ground whereas the last couple of years, I felt like I lost a bit of pace," Mullett said.

Defensive coach Brad Green said Mullett had shown encouraging signs in the Roos early hit-outs and was continuing to help the 52-gamer regain his best form.

"He's really worked hard on his one-on-one defence and that's been an area that we've worked on really hard over the pre-season," Green said.

"He was an influential player with the side a couple of years ago and we want him to get back to being consistent and putting pressure on the other guys that have been taking his spot as well."