COLLINGWOOD aims to remain as front-runners in rotations this year despite the changes to the interchange bench, according to midfielder Sharrod Wellingham.

The Magpies and the Western Bulldogs set the trend for furious interchanges last year, with numbers per game nudging 160 towards the end of the season.

Despite the new rule that will see three bench players and one substitute introduced in an attempt to slow the game down, the Magpies are still planning on using the interchange area as a busy thoroughfare.

"I think we're still going to try and make as many rotations as we were before," Wellingham told collingwoodfc.com.au.

"It's something we're going to try and take advantage of. We are a bit ahead of the pack as far as utilising the interchange guys, so hopefully we can stay there."

Wellingham, who admits he prefers playing in the midfield but expects to be given occasional defensive jobs again this year, says flexibility will be the key to the Magpies maintaining their frenetic use of the bench.

"We'll find midfielders spending a lot more time back and forward this year just due to the rule, and I won't mind doing that," he said.

"With the tall players, they're going to need to be able to push up to a wing or just be more flexible with the positions they play."

The 22-year-old had a breakout season last year and was one of the side's best in the grand final replay.

He said he was keen to make further personal improvements in both his game and development in 2011 despite his rapid rise to premiership player.

"I suppose there's pressure [to improve] but you get that every year no matter how much of a step you take year in, year out," he said.

"It's just about crossing the t's and dotting the i's, really. When you get to AFL football, it's not really about trying to improve on one thing; it's just making sure you get everything as perfect as you possibly can.

"Everybody gets that pressure and I'll be looking to take another step this year."

Wellingham has had an injury-free pre-season since returning from a Maldives surfing holiday with Dale Thomas and three weeks in Thailand with his girlfriend.

Meanwhile, a fit Heath Shaw says he's a certainly to play in the NAB Cup grand final this Friday night after being rested from the semi-final win over West Coast.

"Our fitness guy always says it's a marathon, not a sprint, and as long as you get three quality games in before the start of the season, that's perfect," Shaw said.

"The season is a bit longer this year. The toll on the body is going to be more and the intensity rises each year, so you want to keep as many people as fresh as you can.

"With the NAB Cup, you really do need to be smart about how many games and minutes you play."

Sharrod Wellingham is a $339,100 midfielder in the Toyota Dream Team competition.