Despite his seniority as Essendon's most experienced ruckman, DavidHille doesn't expect any favours in 2012.
Where he sits in the Bombers' ruck triangle depends on how he's playing,and that's the way he wants it to be.
""If I'm not playing well enough then I'm not going to be in the team, justlike anyone,"" Hille said.
""That's what it all comes down to – performance – and that's how itshould be.""
Bombers big men Hille, Patrick Ryder and Tom Bellchambers shape as oneof the most damaging ruck divisions in the AFL.
At times last year new coach James Hird went against convention and pickedall three in the same side, to varying success.
When it worked, the Bombers looked dangerous in the air and dominant inthe ruck battles. When it didn't, they looked a bit slower, often beingout-gunned by opposition sides with more running options.
Ryder's versatility as a forward and defender gives him an advantage,meaning if the Bombers do choose two ruckmen in 2012, it will probably be achoice of Hille and the rapidly improving Bellchambers. The veteran is up forthe fight.
""There's certainly competition there and I think that's a goodthing,"" the 30-year-old said.
""That's what you want across the board, not just in the ruck group. Itwill be a combined effort between the three of us, both in the ruck and in theforward line. Hopefully we can perform to the best of our ability and become areliable part of the team.
""It's always good to have competition.""
Hille's pre-season will holds him in good stead.
For the first time since his knee reconstruction in 2009, Hille hascompleted a summer campaign without injury.
In February, Hird even said the club had needed to slow down theruckman's training to keep him fresh for the home and away season.
""It wasn't so much pulling me back I don't think. It was more, like a lotof players young and old, just managing loads and that's what we were lookingto do there,"" Hille said.
It appears to be paying dividends. Hille feels more confident in hisbody this year, allowing him to sweep across the ground and compete in attackwhen required there.
In Essendon's NAB Cup win over the Brisbane Lions last weekend, Hillehad 16 disposals, eight marks and 24 hit-outs. To play his physical, demandingbrand of football, Hille needs to be close to full fitness. He has a strongplatform.
""I felt a bit better on the weekend,"" Hille said. ""I wasa bit stronger in the first half and faded in the second, but I was pleasedwith my performance. Hopefully I can take some of that into round one againstNorth Melbourne.""
