Entering his third season in the red and black young defender Jason Ashby knows too well the competition he faces for a regular position in the senior side.

After not being able to crack into the senior team during his first season at the club, Ashby impressed during his second season finishing 2014 with five matches alongside his name.

Ashby will be vying with Courtenay Dempsey, Michael Hibberd, Martin Gleeson, James Gwilt for a half back spot in the season opening team to take on Sydney on April 4.

“We have the next month or so to work on just pure footy and match play so I will be trying to stick my hands up,” Ashby said.

“There is a hell of a lot of good players in the half back area so I have some good competition.”

The 20-year-old suffered a minor hamstring strain prior to the Christmas break but has returned to the track in excellent condition.

At VFL level in 2014 he played in both defence and up forward showcasing the flexibility he can offer the side.

“The coaches have been good working with me so I will be aiming to play 80 per cent in defence and being able to be thrown forward as well to add a bit of versatility,” he said.

Ashby said the players enjoyed Friday’s intense two-hour training session under the hot sun at the True Value Solar Centre.

“It was a solid session, we had main skills and a bit of match play which is good fun but we finished with a bit of running which is tough.”

“Once it comes to games and chasing the footy’s around it is better and a lot more enjoyable.”