Armstrong notched up eight games in his first season with the Swans, after making his club debut in round four against North Melbourne, but faced tough competition to secure a place in the Swans back six in 2012.
The 23-year-old, who was also named as one of three emergencies for this year’s Grand Final, has his sights set on becoming a more regular fixture in the senior side next season.
Armstrong has already teamed up with Swans midfielder Kieren Jack to help increase his fitness base leading into next year, much like teammate Lewis Jetta did last pre-season.
Armstrong told SwansTV that he planned to stick close to Jack, who is renowned for his pre-season work ethic.
“I’ve always worked pretty closely with Kiz and I guess I just missed out on a Grand Final berth this year so that’s got me really hungry,” Armstrong told SwansTV.
“I thought who better to pair up with than Kizza, and I’m just trying to chase him around, so that will be good.”
While he does not expect to replicate Jetta’s 2012 form, Armstrong said he hoped his increased output would help him add to his senior games tally at the club.
“If I could have a year anything like Jetts’ year, I’d be super happy, as I’m sure everyone would be,” Armstrong said.
“I’ve just got to set my own goals and hopefully I can crack into the senior team at the start of the year.”
“Last year I came back late February (after injury) and that was when I had my first session with the boys, so I’m already ahead of where I was last year, so hopefully I can keep building on it and have a good season.”
While today’s wet weather at Sydney’s Lakeside Oval was a pleasant change for the players, who battled scorching temperatures last week, Armstrong said the rigours of pre-season are now well and truly in full swing.
“It’s been good so far and it’s good to be back,” Armstrong said.
“The weather’s not as good as Friday but I think it’s a bit of a welcome change for a few of the boys who prefer it to be a little bit cooler rather than the heat.
“Friday’s session wasn’t too bad but I think today was the first day of proper pre-season and we got smoked today.”
