WITH Round 1 of the AFL season just six weeks away, the fight for positions in the starting 18 is intensifying at Alberton.

Among the players battling for a spot is 22-year-old midfielder Aaron Young, who is looking to cement a regular place in the side on the back of an injury-free off season.

“It’s good to finally get my body right over the off season and it gives me the best opportunity to have a crack and get through a full year of footy,” Young said.

“If I have to start off in the SANFL and work my way in, that’s how I’ll do it, I’ll just keep working hard and put my head down.”

Now in his fifth season at the club, Young has learnt that the little things are just as important as the big things when playing his role in the team.

“You don’t have to come in and light the game up as long as you are doing the little things.

“Communication is the key as well, and making sure everyone is in the right spot, you’re in the right spot and when that opportunity comes, just to take it.”

The team is coming off another gruelling off season and with the first NAB Challenge game against West Coast less than two weeks away, Young says the competition for positions is as fierce as ever

“You always notice in the pre-season there’s a few different tussles and scuffles and now we are into match play it heats up a little bit because blokes are playing for that spot in round one,” Young said.

“It will be interesting to see who goes well in NAB Cup and who can cement their spot for round 1.”