JARED Rivers began his 2008 campaign before everyone elsehad even finished their 2007.

The 22-year-old had plenty of time to think about next yearafter succumbing to a groin injury that restricted him to just three senior gamesfor the season.

While laying on the medical table as his team battledthrough a forgettable season, Rivers was already planning for next year.

"I had an operation three months ago so I'm going tostart pre-season a bit earlier and hopefully get a bit of fitness up before theboys get back into it," Rivers said.

"I've missed so much football and I want to be a lotfitter than I was last year."

The tall defender and 2004 AFL Rising Star was sorely missedby the Demons, who were regularly plugging holes in defence.

In a year where Rivers was expected to establish himself asone of the competition's leading backmen, Rivers' season barely got off theground before he had written it off.

But a new season and a new coach in Dean Bailey brings newhope to the man many have ranked one of the best young defenders in the game.

"The best thing about having a new coach is thateveryone's on a level playing field. You've got to try to impress Dean, ChrisConnolly and the new assistants so it is good to get a fresh start," hesaid.

Rivers believes the introduction of Bailey could be justwhat the Demons needed.

"We had a bit of a debrief on the Wednesday after theseason.

"I think he's gone around to a few players and had achat and told them his expectations for the season so we'll know exactly what'srequired of us before pre-season training kicks off."