FIGHTING fit after a frustrating 2015 campaign hampered by foot and knee injuries, Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers is eyeing off a ruck partnership with recruit Matthew Leuenberger.
Bellchambers played just 10 games this year, following eight appearances in 2014.
The 26-year-old has never played more than 18 games in a single year after he was drafted to the Bombers in 2007.
Speaking to Essendon's website, Bellchambers said he hoped to recreate with Leuenberger some of the success he enjoyed with former teammate Patrick Ryder in 2013.
The 106kg big man averaged 22 hit-outs a game that season and booted 28 goals.
"I’m feeling really good, I’ve been able to complete all of the training sessions out here which is a real bonus for me," Bellchambers said.
"This time last year I was missing sessions and in the altitude room, so it’s actually good to be out on the track with the boys.
"Obviously "Leuey" has had some injuries as well.
"He and I are both out on the track now and we’ll get to know each other’s games and hopefully we can form a good duo like Paddy and myself."
Bellchambers also said he was looking forward to spending more time in attack as a result of future interchange limitations.
The interchange cap will drop down to 90 rotations a game next year and it's widely expected that ruckmen across the competition will rest up forward.
"With the cap on interchanges rule we’ll be spending more time on the ground," Bellchambers said.
"If I can impact the scoredboard while "Leuey" is doing his work in the middle of the ground that’s obviously going to help the team."