James Bartel says he has something to prove when he walks out on to the ground this season. He's happy to leave behind a disappointing 2003, when injury and inconsistency kept him to 13 games.

Why he wasn't playing was a major talking point among Cats' fans as the season went on.

But Bartel, 20, acknowledges that sometimes the pressure to perform was too much to bear, and he no longer enjoyed the game.

``There was so much running through my head, I have to do this, I have do that,'' he said.

``I'd worry that if I didn't get five kicks in the next five minutes I'd end up back on the bench.

``I know it sounds simple, playing footy, but worrying about things made it less enjoyable.''

There was also the protracted negotiations with the Cats about a new deal at the end of the season, with talk he could be heading to another club.

``A mate rang me to say I was going to Melbourne. I asked him `Who am I being traded with?' Everyone was talking about where I was going,'' he said.

``I always wanted to stay at the Cats. I never thought about speaking to anyone else.

``I didn't have a great season and I wanted to prove that I was better than that.''

Last year started badly with a grade three ligament strain to his right ankle during pre-season. Bartel fell behind the burgeoning talent of young midfielders and struggled to break into the side.

It was a blow after a promising debut season in 2002, with the eighth overall selection in the national draft playing 11 games and earning a Rising Star nomination.

He knew he couldn't waste any time in the off-season if he wanted a regular spot in 2004.

Bartel turned to VFL runner and noted athlete Steve Lewry, who trained him five days a week for more than a month and then twice a week up to Christmas.

``He whipped me into shape. I ran 10.50 recently in a three kilometre time trial, which is a big improvement for me,'' Bartel said. ``I don't want to just make up the numbers. I want a role in the midfield.''

Newly-appointed assistant coach Daryn Cresswell, who oversees the midfield group, sees a lot to like about the boy from Bell Park, including the fact they play a similar brand of footy.

The former Swan on-baller praised Bartel for his toughness, his attack on the ball, his football smarts and his pace.

``He knows he has to have a big year and people around the club say he's attitude has improved out of sight,'' Cresswell said.

``I'm banking on him having a really good year. He's got the capacity to be a good midfielder for us.''

Bartel has given himself every chance, having reduced his weight from 90 kilograms to 84kg after struggling to carry the bulk last year.

He also thinks Cresswell, who retired last year, will help him develop a more attacking game.