Jason Ashby will head into his fourth pre-season aiming to cement a permanent position in the team’s line-up.

Drafted in 2012 Ashby has fought his way into the senior side on 10 occasions, but has so far been unable to secure consistent game time. 

However, on the back of a strong VFL campaign - in which he played an integral role in the midfield and half-back line, Ashby is hopeful that 2016 will be his year.  

“It’s my fourth pre-season now, so I’m getting used to running laps,” Ashby joked after completing a gruelling training session in Darwin.

“I just want to continue to work hard and pretty much consolidate myself into a spot whether that be down back, the midfield or combining a bit of both.” 

As one of the more experienced players on the trip, Ashby demonstrated great leadership on the track - making sure he was vocal during the session, talking to his teammates about what went wrong, praising them on their efforts and ensuring that he made time to listen to what the coaches had to say.

However, it was perhaps off the field where Ashby showed the most maturity.

During the team’s visit to Kormilda College, it was Ashby who sat down with a group of the young boys involved in the Clontarf program and had a long chat about the dedication required to become a professional footballer.

Ashby with one of the boys from the Clontarf program.

“It was funny, we went into the classroom and they were all really quiet - didn’t ask any questions,” said Ashby 

“Then one guy straight at the end pulled me over and said ‘Oh mate, can I ask you a few questions?’. 

“It was nice.

“It’s awesome seeing all the programs that they have up here and seeing all the young guys.”

Ashby will continue to work hard in the pre-season and Bomber fans will hopefully see a lot more of the 21-year-old in the upcoming season.