After injury ruined his previous season, 2011 was all about getting back on the field for Craig Bird.

With his foot problems in check, Bird rebounded to feature in a career-best 22 games, and played in a variety of positions including a new-found tagging role.

Now in the midst of an uninterrupted pre-season, Bird has targeted further improvement and game time for 2012.

“I’ve pretty much done every session so far and injury free,” Bird told SwansTV.

“I’ve been able to get through most sessions and definitely the fitness has been up which is a great improvement.

“Those (foot) problems seem to have gone away so hopefully I can keep on top of that and get through the whole season again.”

Click on the video player above to watch Craig Bird’s full interview with SwansTV

A key cog in the Swans defensive set-up, the 23-year old said he hopes the work he is doing at the moment - which he wasn’t able to do this time last year - will hold him in good stead to run out the entire season.

“I got a few little niggles towards the end of the (season) and that restricted me,” he said.

“I think I just got a little bit tired towards the end of the year, and (now) it’s more just staying on top of my body and keeping those injuries away.”

Bird says there is an air of anticipation around the club with the NAB Cup now on the horizon, and the players are readily preparing themselves for the long season ahead. 

“It obviously feels a lot closer to games now so we are lifting the intensity and the competitive stuff,” Bird said.

“We’re getting a lot of good match practice in, and a lot of good practice and preparation is going in for the next couple of weeks.”

Be there to see the Swans in action this year with a Sydney Swans 2012 membership. Memberships are now available to be purchased online or by calling our friendly membership services team on 1300 663 819.