Having not missed a game through injury this season and proving his ability to play at the AFL level again in recent weeks, Tayte Pears is hopeful of another contract from the Bombers at the end of this season.

The 23-year-old is out of contract at the end of the 2013 season, his sixth in the red and black, having played every game at either AFL or VFL level this season.

“My contract is out at the end of this year, so to me this year has been pretty important,” Pears told The Hangar.

“I was lucky I had no injuries in the off-season, I could get a fair bit of work in and I have worked really hard to try and get back to a level where I can play AFL football.”

“I think I have done that so hopefully the club realises the hard work I have put in and if I can keep playing consistent football hopefully the club realises that and can give me another contract.”

In 2013 Pears completed his first uninterrupted pre-season since being drafted to the Bombers in 2007.

That work has been the catalyst for Pears’ consistent football this season.

“Obviously I have been injured in the past so the off-season just gone was a good chance for me to get some work in because I wasn’t injured for the first time in a while,” Pears said.

“I think for me it was just about getting back and playing consistent football whether that be VFL or AFL.”

The key defender has played four matches at AFL level this season and is excited about what the second half of the season holds.

“I am just happy to be out there playing consistent football and I think that the hard work has paid off,” he said.

“It is healthy for the side I suppose when you have blokes pushing for a spot and there is some pretty good players playing in the VFL at the moment who are probably a bit unlucky but it says a lot about the team and where we are going.”

“When you get in there it means a lot, for me I love getting out there and playing with my best mates at the club who are in the senior side.”