Speaking to media ahead of his second 'comeback' this year from an ankle injury, veteran Bomber Mark McVeigh says there is intense selection pressure at the club.
""For the first time in a long time there has been real pressure to earn your spot in the team,"" he said.
""Because the young players have developed so quickly - they still have a long way to go but they have developed quickly - it has put selection pressure not only on myself but other senior players.
""I feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel, whether that is two, three of four years away.
""It really encourages you to keep on the edge of your football. I think it's an important thing as an older player and leader at the club that I need to be at my very best as terms of training and mentally.
""This game is cut-throat and you need to be 100%, 100% of the time when you are playing for the club. I realise as I get older I need to work harder.""
McVeigh says the team is excited and upbeat about the 'big challenge' of playing Geelong on Sunday in front of a potentially full-house.
""We are going to go out and have a real crack and not be obverwhelmed by the occasion and that is important,"" he said.
""It's good to know you are coming into a team like that.""
The 28-year-old says it will take a few weeks to get back to full AFL fitness but believes the VFL boys gave him a good hit-out last weekend and tested him physically.
""I trained quite well last time (he came back in Round 4) and then got a hit when I didn't really need it in the first 15 minutes of the game. I played the rest of the game and woke up the next day quite sore and couldn't walk for the rest of the week,"" he said.
""This time it's totally different, I have no pain at all. I am moving freely and I feel good and feel confident about where it's at. I am 100% and I have no pain at all.
""It's been tough (being injured) but I feel priveleged to be picked this week in a team that is building toward great success.""
