Essendon defender Michael Hibberd feels he now belongs in the AFL after a sensational start to his third season at the top level.

The 23-year-old has played the first six matches of 2013 and is now confident in his ability to match it with the AFL’s best.

“As soon as you start getting games consistently you realise you do belong at the level which I do,” Hibberd said.

“After playing a few games in my first year I felt comfortable at the level, I knew I had a lot to improve on and in my second year I was hampered by a couple of injuries which held me back.”

“This year I had a really good pre-season and I have started of the season well and hopefully I can keep going.”

Hibberd will face a big test this week against Geelong when he is likely to have numerous opponents throughout the match.

Geelong boast an array of medium sized forwards with Steve Johnson, Allan Christensen, Steven Motlop, Billie Smedts and Paul Chapman all set to line up for the undefeated Cats on Friday night.

Hibberd is ready for whatever challenge that comes his way.

“There is a heap that go through that half forward/forward pocket role,” Hibberd told SEN.

“I would say I will probably get a handful of them over the course of the night as well.”

“Those guys are really good guys playing good footy so we need to be switched on.”