Ottens was speaking on SEN’s Morning Glory programme.
“Last year we had all the expectation on us with having the drought of 44 years … I think that probably weighed on the group a little bit," Ottens said.
"This year having had the experience of last year, we know what’s coming and it probably helps us a little bit because we know what’s required from us.
"We know what we have to do to get over the line.”
The 28-year-old also took the opportunity to praise his ruck partner Mark Blake, who he believes has gone “from strength to strength” since suffering the disappointment of being dropped for last year’s grand final in favour of Steven King, who has since renewed his career at St Kilda.
“That was a huge blow obviously and [Blake's] just gone from strength to strength.
"He just keeps getting bigger and stronger and he keeps improving with every game. He’s a big boy and was always going to take time to develop. I think he’s still got a lot of improvement left in him.
"He’s definitely got a drive after what happened last year… I think he’s going to keep going in an upward spiral so it’s been good to watch him improve.”
