Robbie Tarrant believes strong numbers on the training track will allow North the best possible preparation for the 2016 season.
Speaking from Arden Street on Friday, the defender pointed to the players' competitive spirit since returning from the Christmas break.
“Everyone knows this is a pretty important part of the year. You need to keep ticking these sessions off and making sure you are improving,” Tarrant told NMFC.com.au.
“I think as a group we are doing that really well (getting through sessions). The more competitive it is, probably the more improvement you are going to get.
“We just need to keep this going into NAB Cup.”
Coming off a career-best 22-game tally, Tarrant can’t wait to test his wares with another full pre-season under his belt.
“It was exciting to get out with the boys. I played the one game the year before (2014) and you miss it a fair bit,” he said.
“I really enjoyed being out there. It’s certainly what you’re here to do and hopefully I can take that into this year.”
Having played the early part of his career in attack, the 26-year-old proved himself as a reliable key-defender in 2015, but he admits there’s still room for improvement.
“I’ve got to learn a heap,” Tarrant said.
“That’s probably the positive thing out of the year is I’ve still got a lot of improvement left. I know I have to keep improving to stay in the side and then to play on the big players.
“I’m getting through every session now; I haven’t missed one this pre-season which is encouraging and I’ll try to continue to build the relationship with Scotty (Thompson) and Tippo (Joel Tippett) and the other defenders.”
Like several of his teammates, Tarrant has been impressed with draftee Corey Wagner’s efforts on the training track.
“Wags has shown a fair bit. I think that sort of half-forward/wing role is going to suit him really well.
“He’s got great speed and endurance. He fits in really well.”
A veteran midfielder is also catching the eye.
“I’m excited to get Wellsy (Daniel Wells) back,” Tarrant added.
“He’s out there and sort of like a new recruit really. I think he played one or two games last year and he’s looking in great shape, so he’s going to be a massive inclusion for us.”
