Christian Howard believes a spot on the wing is his to claim during the upcoming NAB Cup campaign, but the first round draftee won’t be looking too far ahead.

Last year the 21-year-old’s precise left-foot and solid pre-season form earned Howard a round one call up but in a twist of fate, he injured his knee and was sidelined for the following seven weeks.

This year the midfielder is determined on turning his fortunes around.

“I sort of set myself the goal last year of playing every game and when I was in the team round one I was stoked and I was… really looking forward to the year,” Howard said.

“Then I ended up doing my knee in the first game and I was out for six or seven weeks and then it took me a couple of games to get back into the seniors.

“I guess I am pretty much just going back to that goal, I am just going to obviously try and have a really good NAB Cup series and consolidate my position, play round one and… not look back after that.”

Playing ten from a possible 12 games in the second half of 2012, Howard began to show glimpses of why he was selected as a first round draft pick in 2009 – highlighted by a career high 28 disposals, six marks and two goals against Geelong in round 22.

He also collected an impressive ten disposals in the first term against Port Adelaide and finished the year with three 20+ possession games across the wing and back half.

The South Australian recruit also showed his skills execution is elite, averaging a disposal efficiency of 82% - fourth at the Western Bulldogs in that statistical category.

Howard believes increased versatility will help him consolidate a spot in the senior team, continuing to focus on winning the contested ball, clearances and honing his defensive craft this pre-season.

“I don’t need to play there [midfield] all the time because obviously we have a very strong engine room but just in case I need to go in there quickly for one or two stoppages before maybe going out on the wing,” he said.

“Not only that I also need to be able to play back as well, so that is my  other thing I am working on is my defence and being able to play on that half back if I need to go back there.”

Adding another three kilograms to his frame this pre-season, Howard is hopeful he can be more of a physical presence this year while maintaining his natural endurance and outside flair.