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Josh Fraser’s decision to withdraw from the leadership group during 2007 was based on his body, but now he’s healthy and eager to perform as vice-captain.

Fraser was officially named Scott Burns’ deputy on Thursday, having been elected deputy vice-captain behind Nathan Buckley and James Clement in 2007.

However the 26-year-old ruckman, who battled ongoing back problems throughout last year, withdrew from the leadership group mid-season.

But as Fraser explained at Thursday’s announcement, he is fully recovered from his back injury and ready to re-establish himself as one of Collingwood’s leaders.

“I’m more comfortable with where my body’s at, a lot more comfortable with being able to perform the role of a leader on field,” Fraser said.

“I guess pulling out of the leadership group last year was a combination of things, largely due to the fact I didn’t think I could contribute the way I wanted to and it gave some of the younger guys an opportunity.”

Having completed the bulk of the pre-season campaign and back to being fully fit, Fraser is now focused on being a leader again both on and off the field.

“I didn’t put my hand up until post-Christmas to have a crack at this leadership again, and I basically wanted to make sure my body was sound and I was ready to go.”

Fraser goes into season 2008 having played 156 games since his debut in 2000, and will be crucial to Collingwood's chances of improving on last year's preliminary final finish.