The premiership player, who did not miss a game in 2012, had an injury interrupted pre-season campaign and did not play in the Swans opening round win over GWS.
Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au on Tuesday, Bird said the depth of the Swans’ list meant that a number of players would be putting their names forward alongside his this weekend.
“It is really tough,” Bird said.
“If you miss a couple of games or are a little bit out of form, there are other guys fighting for your spot, so you really need to be on top of your game and playing well.
“It’s good for the side because it keep players competitive and it’s going to help the side in the long run with our depth because it means we always have to be working hard.”
Bird’s pre-season was marred by disruptions, starting when he suffered a minor hip injury in round one of the NAB Cup, which resulted in him sitting out round two.
His return in round three of the NAB Cup was short-lived when he was subbed out in the first quarter following some friendly fire.
“I just hurt my hip flexor a little bit in the first game and then when I came back two weeks later I got subbed out in the first quarter, so I missed that whole game,” Bird said of his pre-season campaign.
“With those two issues it meant my pre-season was a little bit interrupted, but hopefully I can get back and play soon with the boys.”
Last weekend, Bird played a full game in the Swans reserves’ five-point win over UWS at ANZ Stadium, and was listed as one of the team’s best players.
After missing so much football during the NAB Cup, Bird said a hit-out in the reserves was what he needed to get some much-needed game time under his belt.
“I pulled up well and got through the game OK,” he said.
“It was good to have a full hit-out and get some good form in the twos and we had a good win as well, which was nice.
“It was pretty hard to watch the boys (in the seniors) afterwards because I’d probably rather be out there playing, but I understand.
“I only played a couple of games in the NAB Cup, so I needed to get some form and some more match time and then hopefully I’ll be back playing soon.”
As the season rolls into round two, Bird said he aims to work on his four quarter consistency in the coming weeks to secure his spot in the senior side.
“I need to be consistent with playing my role, whatever it may be, whether I’m playing half forward or as a run-with midfielder,” he said.
“I just need to be consistent and perform each week because you do need to make sure you play well to stay in the side.”
