Drummond missed nine games through injury last season, five with a quad injury, one with a hamstring and three with a thigh.
As a result, Drummond hired a running coach in the off season to make some changes to address the problems.
“There was obviously something wrong with my mechanics, so I’ve done a lot of running technique work and also just a lot more work in the gym on my lower body to try and strengthen it up,” Drummond said.
A gruelling pre-season under new coach Michael Voss has the long kicking defender pumped for the year ahead.
“It’s been a positive pre-season and I’m looking forward to a full year,” Drummond said.
“Getting out there and playing the other night (against St Kilda) was great.”
The Lions face a big challenge against Essendon at Telstra Dome on Friday night.
After booting a super goal in round one of the NAB Cup, Drummond is keen to spend more time on the half forward line.
“It would be good to get a chance there anytime, doesn’t matter whether it’s pre-season or not. Us defenders try and sneak up there every now and then and try and snag one,” Drummond said.
“But it’s not something we use in the season proper so that’s what we’re gunning for, we’re trying to get our structures in place for round one against West Coast.”
After the Lions kicked just two goals in the second half against St Kilda, Drummond is expecting a more open game against the Bombers.
“The type of footy they play is really quick and they’re a very hard running side so it should be a good game to watch,” Drummond said.
“Telstra Dome is always a great place to play, it’s going to be a dry surface and a pretty free flowing game and high scoring hopefully.”
Drummond also offered his support for teammate Pat Garner, who has just undergone his third knee reconstruction in five years.
“He’s a great young kid, it’s been tough what he’s gone through the last few years. All the boys are just supporting him and hoping he can recover fully.”
Dream Team watch – Josh Drummond scored 60 Toyota AFL Dream Team points in the Brisbane Lions’ win over St Kilda in round one of the 2009 NAB Cup.
