Essendon defender Michael Hibberd is looking forward to playing an attacking role out of the back half in 2013.

In his third season at AFL level, Hibberd was one of ten Bombers to head to Colorado in November for high altitude training.

The flashy halfback managed just 14 games in season 2012 and is looking to improve on that record this season.

“I will hopefully limit the injuries, I had two soft tissues last year so if I can cancel that out and play consistent footy and play the whole year that is my target and would be great,” Hibberd said.

The 23-year-old feels his best position is running off the half back line setting up the teams attack.

“I think in the back line, half back flank as an attacking defender who can shut down on an opponent,” he said.

“That running attacking defender who can take the game on is what they want from me.”

Hibberd said he used the support of his teammates over the break to maintain a high level of training while the group was away from the club.

“The majority of the guys have come back and look like they have followed the program they were supposed to over the break,” he said.

“It was individualised to each person and everyone has followed it to a tee and come back in good shape.”

“I spent most of my time with a group of the guys over the break so it was a lot easier for me as we helped each other out and followed our programs together.”