ESSENDON defender Darcy Daniher is on track for his first ever full pre-season.

Daniher has constantly battled injury since he was selected by the Bombers in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft and didn't play a game in 2010.

But he said he was ready and healthy to go for the first time in a long time.

"This will be the first full pre-season which will be nice. Hopefully I can remain injury-free the whole time and have a big season," Daniher told essendonfc.com.au.

"I am 100 per cent injury free at the moment and my body is feeling really healthy so I'll be ready for day one of the pre-season."

The Bombers kick off their first pre-season under new coach James Hird next week.

The 21-year-old says he is excited about playing under Hird and was keen to add to his six-game tally.

"I really wanted to get my fitness up to give myself every opportunity this year," Daniher said.

"I am ready for a big pre-season and looking forward to seeing what Hirdy will be able to provide the playing group."

After a month holidaying through Europe with teammate Cale Hooker, Daniher said he was re-energised for 2011.

"I am just ready to get out there and looking forward to getting stuck into things on the training track," he said.

"We obviously have a lot of work to do as a playing group to improve to a level where we are competitive against the top sides but I know that everyone is committed to the task and really looking forward to it."