One year ago Jason Winderlich was just starting his pre-season. How different things are for the 19-year-old, 12 months on. He has completed a full preseason, he already has one game under his belt and he has been selected in the squad to play Fremantle in Round 1 of the Wizard Cup. It is the first time in his football career that Winderlich has completed a full pre-season. ""It is great being fit for a change - it helps you enjoy your footy a lot more,"" Winderlich said.

In the exhibition match against Sydney last Saturday, Winderlich played two quarters of football. It was the first time he had played since mid last season and despite being rusty in the opening quarter, it didn't take him long to get in the thick of the action and find the football. ""In the first quarter I didn't know where to run and was a bit slow reading the play. Once I got a few touches I was fine. It was good fun though and good to pull up not sore,"" Winderlich said.

Winderlich is one of the quickest players at the club and he showed glimpses of his electrifying pace in the three senior matches he played in his debut season. A groin injury slowed him down in the second half of 2003, but with a full pre-season behind him he is ready to add some spark to the Bombers' mid-field. ""I am glad I played three senior games last year, because I know what the standard is. We probably have one of the best midfields in the competition, so it is going to be hard to try and break into it. I might have to try and break in at half forward or in a forward pocket. But now that Solly is injured and he is going to be out for a while, hopefully I can take his spot,"" he said.

Improving his strength has been a focus of the pre-season, but he is determined not to lose any pace. ""Quinny (John Quinn) said I have to be careful not to put on too much weight because otherwise I will put stress on my shins again. I have put on about four kilograms and I am conscious that I want to keep my speed as well,"" he said. The fitness staff has got the weight gain right for Winderlich and his increase in strength has had no effect on his speed. Winderlich won the 70m novice race at the recent Rye Gift.

Winderlich has the luxury of learning off some of the best midfielders in the competition at the club and he has been using this to best advantage. He said he has been keeping a close eye on how best and fairest winner Jason Johnson goes about his football. ""I think JJ is the best midfielder that we have at the club. He has the all round game, so I watch him and try and pick things up. I also try and watch players from other teams to pick things up as well,"" Winderlich said.

Find out how Winderlich plays in the first round Wizard Cup match against Fremantle on essendonfc.com.au. Bomberland will bring you free live scoring from 8.40pm on Friday night and a full match report after the game.