Jetta hopes for more midfield time

[Ricochet]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2013-09-26/jetta-hopes-for-more-midfield-time

Essendon live wire Leroy Jetta is hoping to build his fitness base during the preseason as he prepares for more opportunities in the midfield next season.

Jetta played the majority of last season in the VFL through the midfield taking part in just eight matches at AFL level.

'I have now just had a couple of weeks off and havent done too much, at the moment I am relaxing but once I return to training I will be trying to build my engine up a bit,' Jetta said.

'Hopefully I can build up a bit of a tank, get some more game time through the midfield and aim to get a few more games.'

It is a mature Jetta who reflects on what he describes as a disappointing season where he struggled to break into the senior team.

The 25 year-old said he was looking at more time through the midfield at senior level as he entered his eighth season.

'I spoke to Simon Goodwin in the exit interviews and I played a lot of VFL midfield time and did alright so I just need to work on my fitness over the pre-season.'

'To play more time through the midfield is definitely a goal of mine next year and so I will be looking to build up an engine so that when I do play senior footy I can stick with the elite runners.'

The Bombers aimed to use the run of Jetta late in matches this season starting him as sub in four of his eight senior matches.

Jetta admits it is not a role he enjoyed playing throughout 2013.

'It is a bit hard to get into the game, you might struggle to get a touch and get up with the pace of the game which isnt great for your mind set,' Jetta said.

'It is a bit disappointing but at the end of the day it is the coaches decision and they decide what is the best for the team.'

Despite recent reports surrounding his future Jetta, who has one more year to run on his current contract, is keen to hang around the club in 2014.