Adam Cooney is cautiously raising the bar again, two years after he lamented he would never return to his top AFL form.
The 2008 Brownlow Medallist has not missed a beat in training since leaving the Western Bulldogs and going to Essendon.
While Cooney is careful not to be too optimistic, he is confident his persistent injury and fitness problems have settled down.
"The last two pre-seasons, I've completed 80 per cent of the work," he said.
"I'm probably a lot fitter than what I thought I could get to when I said those quotes.
"This year, I haven't missed a session yet.
"So I'm fitter again ... coming back in January, we'll step up the workload."
The star midfielder was then asked if he could return to his peak form six seasons ago.
"I don't think anyone wants to come out and say they're going to win the Brownlow," he said.
"I just want to play consistent footy at the new footy club, gain the guys' respect and hopefully help the guys win some games next year."
Cooney admitted it was odd at first going to a new club, but he feels he has settled in well.
One thing he noticed immediately at the Essendon headquarters is they have a lot more premiership cups - 16 compared to the Bulldogs' one.
He also said the hard grind of AFL pre-season training did not differ much between clubs.
"We're pretty-much training, eating sleeping and repeating," he said.
"It (the move) has certainly freshened me up mentally - at the Bulldogs I probably gave all I could to that club.
"For me to get the most out of the rest of my career, we both sort of felt it would be best to move clubs."
Cooney added he already knew exactly where he will fit into Essendon's game plan under coach James HIrd.
"Hirdy is pretty clear on the way he wants me to play," he said.
"He wants me to different positions, so I think half-forward, midfield and at times half-back."
Cooney must wait until round 18 next year to play against his old club and he does not expect too much grief from Bulldogs fans.
"There are a few other enemies that the 'Dogs want to sort out first before me," he said.
