2012 has undoubtedly been Craig Bird best year to date, with the 23-year-old playing every match and finishing ninth in the Bob Skilton Medal count.

Bird played a number of shut down roles this year, but also made a solid contribution up forward with 12 goals for the season.

After claiming his first premiership medallion, Bird spoke to sydneyswans.com.au about his standout season.

How did you sum up your season in 2012?

Obviously it was a good way to finish with a Grand Final, and it was a really enjoyable year. It was good to play some good footy with the rest of the team and it was a great way to finish.

What has been your highlight this season?

I guess it’s pretty obvious, it was the game on the weekend (the Grand Final) and just when the final siren went it was just one of the biggest highlights in my life, and it was just unbelievable.

Are there any areas of your game where you think you have stepped up this season?

I think I have just been a bit more consistent. Last year I sort of dropped off a bit towards the end of the year and I just didn’t want to let that happen again. Being more consistent and being able to adjust to different roles was probably one of my strengths this year.

Who in the younger group of players has impressed you in 2012?

Alex Johnson has been pretty good this year and Jetts has been a big improver this year as well as Dan Hannebery, who has been just unbelievable. Luke Parker has also been awesome in just his second year of footy and those blokes really stepped up this year and it was one of the main reasons that we got to the Grand Final.

In what areas has the team improved over the past 12 months?

I think our pressure has improved this year and I think that’s one of the reasons we did so well. I think we’ve really improved our attacking side of the game as well with our ball movement, and some of the blokes from the middle tier have really stepped up this year.

What are some of the areas you personally hope to work on this pre-season?

I always want to improve my fitness so I’ll keep working on that as a well as my skills. I can keep working on my kicking and handballing and just really try to get a bit fitter and push into the midfield next year.

What was your most memorable moment of the Grand Final?

It’s something I’ve always dreamt of and to be able to do it is just unbelievable.

I can’t really remember too much of the game. The siren went when I was on the bench and then I jumped on about 20 people so the best moment for me would have to be when the siren went.