I played in the reserves last Saturday here at the SCG and really wanted to use it as an opportunity to improve on my game, and work on the things I hadn’t been able to do well enough in the seniors.

It doesn’t affect me mentally going back to play with the reserves. Of course I want to play with the seniors, but I know the coaches are doing it for my good and the good of the team. I’m happy as long as I’m playing footy and I take it pretty well.

Firstly I really wanted to get more touches of the footy, just get more of it than I’ve been able to do this season.

And I needed to work on the defensive side of my game and get more effective tackles.

I think I did those things and I worked on my skills too, things such as kicking long to a one-on-one contest, but making sure I kicked to the advantage side of my team-mate.

I know what I have to do to get back into the seniors so I’ll keep working on those things for as long as it takes. I know the coaches have faith in me so that gives me confidence that I’ll get back there.

This year has been similar to 2010, which was my first year at the Swans, but I did get a bit more of the footy last year. I think I averaged 15 possessions and it’s been down a bit this season.

The thing for me is to play consistent footy, to make sure I work hard every week.

Our assistant coach Lurker (Leigh Tudor) has helped me a lot, particularly with getting better at picking up the ground balls.

I just have to keep practicing, stay low and get your body behind the ball, eyes on the footy, and I feel I’ve improved there.

Goodesy is my mentor and I speak to him a lot about ways to improve. He says just keep training well and then bring it into the game.

I’ve only missed one senior game this year, so hopefully I’m back there soon. And in the meantime, I’ll be working hard to improve.