ESSENDON ruckman Tom Bellchambers is keen to hit form before properly beginning contract discussions with the club, after missing most of last season with an ankle injury.

The club's No.1 big man also revealed he had rejected an offer by Greater Western Sydney the last time he fell out of contract, in 2013, when he recommitted to the Bombers.

The 25-year-old is Essendon's only restricted free agent this year, and is entering the peak of his career.

He has also taken on the mantle as the Bombers' premier ruckman after the off-season departure of Paddy Ryder to Port Adelaide.

An ankle reconstruction ruined his 2014 season, and Bellchambers told AFL.com.au there was no set timeline for negotiations to advance – he first wanted to work into the season.

"There's not really a plan as such. I obviously missed a lot of footy last year so I'd probably rather get a month of really good football under my belt and be in a better position," Bellchambers said.

"I don't really get too caught up in it, to be honest.

"My manager and the club are speaking at the moment, but as far as I'm concerned I just have to go out there and play some good football. That's only going to help me in the long run."

Bellchambers' two-year deal expires at the end of this season, a contract that he signed after overlooking a lucrative offer put forward by the Giants.

At the time the Giants were on the search for a ruck to lead their midfield – Shane Mumford did not join them until the end of 2013 – and Bellchambers had enjoyed a strong season splitting time between the ruck and forward line.

But he said he was glad he stayed at Essendon.

"Football's a business and you have to consider every option. I went through the process and I did consider a couple of proposals, I think I'd be stupid not to," he said.

"I sat down and I considered the GWS contract but at the end of the day I stayed at Essendon and I'm really happy I did.

"Whatever happens this year happens, but I'm really happy where I am at the moment and I just want to concentrate on playing really good football."

The Bombers have started their season in strong form, and Bellchambers said the resolve among the players during the ASADA supplements saga made Essendon somewhere he wanted to stay.

"We've been through something that you wouldn't wish upon anyone and the group's really good, and the leadership was really strong while we were going through it," he said.

"It probably shows on the field the way we've played the last couple of weeks and even more so the last 18 months.

"It's a really good group of guys. I think we're in for something really exciting this year as well."