After a promising debut season in 2010, that left fans the enduring image of him celebrating a late, crucial goal in the elimination final against Carlton, Trent Dennis-Lane’s second season with the Swans didn’t quite go to plan.

The lively forward was named in the round one team to take on Melbourne, but was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury at training.

He managed just three games for the season, and spoke to sydneyswans.com.au about having a point to prove in 2012. 

How do you sum up your season?

I’m quite disappointed in myself this year actually. I didn’t play as much senior footy as I wanted to. I had a few little niggles here and there which obviously don’t help but the way I came back from them I don’t think really gave me much of a chance to play senior footy.  I’m a bit disappointed, a bit frustrated but I’ve got eight weeks now to recharge and reboot for next year.

What are you looking to improve on for next year?

My fitness base needs to improve. The role I play in the forward line I’d have to play big minutes because of the new sub rule, so that’s one goal for me. Just to have a ruthless preseason and set myself up to have a crack from the very start of next year. Last year, I didn’t fully grasp what was required I don’t think, as they say, everything that happens you can learn from , so I will learn from that.

Which teammates impressed you most this year?

It’s hard to go past Goodesy. Thirty-plus years of age, he was an All-Australian and he is pretty much the benchmark in the competition in terms of professionalism. You see the amount of effort he puts in and he really reaps of the rewards for it. There’s obviously the debutants from this year too. Alex Johnson and Luke Parker played lots of senior footy and Sam Reid as well, who only played one game last year. They all did really well.

What has the highlight of your season?

The win down in the Geelong was pretty good. We were out in Canberra playing in the reserves and the game had finished and we were doing our warm-down  and everyone had their phones out updating the scores every thirty seconds and just hoping Geelong wouldn’t get on a two or three goal run. When we won , all the boys were really happy.

Does a disappointing year make you hungrier for next season?

Definitely. It doesn’t sit that well with me. I’ve got a bit of a point to prove.