Elliott Kavanagh has started his pre-season in a storm, determined to prove he can become a regular member of Essendon’s midfield group this season.

The 21-year-old has played just seven matches in his first three seasons at the club since being draft with selection 19 in the 2011 National Draft.

Kavanagh remains determined to break into the senior team in his fourth season in the red and black.

“One of my short term goals is to continue to be up amongst it fitness wise, it is something I am trying to do at the moment,” Kavanagh said.

“I am trying to beat guys like Brent Stanton and Patty Ambrose at the moment and they are really making me work for it.

“Footy wise I am trying to push other blokes around to push them out of the side and obviously push for senior footy in round one next year.”

 “I am just trying to do the best I can on the track to try and impress.”

Kavanagh was linked with moves to a number of club’s during the recent trade period but ended up remaining at the Bombers.

He said the decision was an easy one to make after supporting the club throughout his childhood.

“I am very happy with the direction that Essendon is heading in and I have always had faith in the people that are here,” he said.

“I really just wanted to stay to see how things go this season and put my best foot forward to try my best to push up to play senior football this year.”

Following his decision to remain with the club Kavanagh sat down with coach James Hird and the rest of the coaching staff to discuss his future.

“They have given me some instructions about what I need to improve on to be able to play in 2015,” he said.

“That is very much to do with playing off instinct, following what I think is the best option at the time as well as being louder on the track and demanding more from teammates.

“Doing all of that is going to help me get to where I want to go in 2015.”