Essendon defender Tayte Pears is hoping another strong pre-season campaign will set him up for regular senior football in 2014.

Fresh from signing a new two-year deal, the 23-year-old is confident he can build on the 11 games he played this season.

Pears burst onto the scene in 2009 and notched up 23 games in just his second season of AFL, before he was struck down with a horror run of injuries.

He had surgery on his pancreas in 2010 before suffering a navicular fracture in his foot that in turn led to further complications once he returned.

“Hopefully another pre-season this year will hold me in good stead and get me into the side again,” Pears said.

“I had a lot of injuries and for me, last year was the first full pre-season I have ever done.

“I played a bit of VFL football, got a bit of continuity back into my football and finally forced my way back into the side.”

The lure of returning to his home state of Western Australia was not a factor in Pears’ decision to stay at the Bombers.

“I suppose it is always in the back of your mind in terms of wanting to go home and seeing your family but for me playing football is important,” Pears said.
“Essendon gave me an opportunity by drafting me and I was always keen to stay.

“I always wanted to stay here and never wanted to leave the club so I’m stoked to stay for another two years.”

Pears will be vying for a position in an ever-improving Essendon back line alongside Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley and Jake Carlisle.

He will also be looking to line up alongside veteran Dustin Fletcher as he enters his 22nd season in the red and black.

“It is just good to be with him every day and learn off him as much as you can while he is around,” Pears said.

“He is not going to be around forever so I try to learn as much as I can. It is just great to play alongside Fletch.”