WEST Coast forward Josh Hill says he is determined to do "whatever it takes" to remain at the Eagles next year.
Hill is out of contract at the end of this season and was out of favour at the start of 2015.
But injuries to youngsters Tom Lamb and Simon Tunbridge in the first two rounds opened the door for Hill to come into the side in round three.
He's kicked 18 goals in six games and has been prominent with his defensive pressure up forward. Hill said the fact that it was the final year of his contract had sparked him into action.
"Just knowing it's there, I want to play as much footy as possible," Hill said.
"This is my last year (on contract) and I want to try and make an impact and build from that and show the club that I'm keen to stay and do whatever it takes."
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Hill, 26, had some honest discussions with coach Adam Simpson over the pre-season and he said that has helped him so far this year. Simpson asked Hill to play with a more confidence each week and also to work diligently on all aspects of his game at training.
Simpson also redefined Hill's role. The former Bulldog had previously played as a third tall forward at times but a change in structure has made Hill more damaging as a small.
"With bringing Fraser McInnes in, he's taken that taller forward role and it's helping me to play that small forward role," Hill said.
"(I'm) playing a crumbing role and (there is) more of a defensive side of my game.
"I've been able to play up on the wing a bit more and get involved in the matches. (Simpson has) definitely worked a lot with me and I'm looking to improve."
Simpson told 6PR on Monday night that he was very happy with Hill's form.
"He's been pretty consistent for the last five or six weeks," Simpson said.
"He's really benefitted from the development of Fraser and Cal Sinclair down forward and working off some talls around him. I think he's a better player when he's crumbing rather than trying to be a focal point for us. That's where he's developed.
The Eagles face Geelong this Sunday at Domain Stadium but will be without in-form midfielder Elliot Yeo after the club accepted his one-match ban for striking St Kilda's Jimmy Webster.
Hill said Yeo's suspension was a disappointing blow for the Eagles given his form.
"He's definitely had a great season so far," Hill said.
"He's a big loss for us but we'll have players like Xavier Ellis pushing for a spot and it's good to have Scott Selwood back in the line-up."
Ellis played restricted minutes in the WAFL reserves a fortnight ago after missing nine weeks with a hamstring injury. He did not play last week due to East Perth having a bye. He would be an unlikely inclusion this week however he did train with the Eagles' squad on Tuesday in a light skills session.
Jack Darling is edging closer to a return although the club remains cautious with him after a long layoff with a stress fracture in his foot. He trained strongly on Tuesday morning and Hill said the forward was telling anyone who would listen that he was keen to play.
"He's definitely letting everyone know he's ready to come back," Hill said.