LEWIS Roberts-Thomson talks to sydneyswans.com.au about season 2010, what impressed him most about the team and where he thinks he can improve for 2011...

How do you reflect on the season just gone - what were the positives and negatives for you?
You break the season down. The first two thirds of the season were quite good, and then the last third, where I got injured, was bitterly disappointing. But I met with the coaches and focused on the first half of the season and there was a lot of positive stuff to come out of that.

What in particular were they pleased about?
They were pleased about the consistency I was showing in the games. And they liked the competitive edge I brought to the backline and the bond there was with Heath Grundy in defence.

I think they were the things to come out of it and overall the back six, we were quite a united unit and they were quite pleased.

It must have been difficult for you to watch the last month of football and the two finals and not be out there?
Yes, particularly the last two games. They were the most disappointing for me, just because I wasn’t able to be out there and help the boys. It was hard to watch. It is always hard watching your friends go so close and you feel for them.

You want to play finals footy and unfortunately I missed out this year but we look forward to next year.

What impressed you most about the team this year?
Over the year there were plenty of highlights for the side. Firstly you look at the young guys that came into the side - Gary Rohan, Lewis Jetta, and the new guys such as Joey Kennedy and Benny McGlynn and Shane Mumford. They all brought something to the table. And it was a really good mix within the side because of those guys. That was definitely one of the big positives to come out of season 2010.

Where did your own improvement come this year, and where can you get better again next year?
When Craig Bolton was injured, Heath and myself had to take on a bit more responsibility down back and that allowed us to grow in confidence. That was a big thing both of us had to take on board.

In terms of working on consistency throughout the year, it was just being competitive in the contest and keeping a high work rate.

Where are you at with your hamstring?
I probably could have played if we’d made it to the preliminary final!

Which of your team-mates really stood out to you?
There’s a few players for different reasons. Shane Mumford was very influential at the centre bounces and his work around the ground. He slotted into the team very nicely.

Lewis Jetta, he brought a bit of excitement to the side. That outside speed is fantastic to watch.

And Benny McGlynn, when you watch him play and you see the courage and the determination of someone who is four foot three and goes that hard at the footy. It is quite inspiring and makes you want to do your bit for the team.

How will you approach the pre-season?
Pre-season will be all about getting as fit as possible and for someone like me who plays a lot of minutes on the ground, that is a big area to get myself right leading into round one.

And then the usual things like working on your skills, marking, spoiling, kicking and handballing - you can never spend enough time on any of those.

What will you do in the break?   
In the break I’m going on a holiday with my girlfriend to Hawaii. That will be relaxing and I’ll do a bit of surfing and take some time out.

LRT in action during season 2010: