After making his bones as a key defender in 2017, Matt Darby says the only way is up as Essendon embarks on another exciting VFL campaign.

“When I first got to Essendon, I came here as a forward,” Darby said.

“But then I had my two shoulder recos, so I came back the next year, did a full pre-season and they decided to put me back to see how I went.”

Darby required reconstruction on his right shoulder after no fewer than 15 subluxations (a partial dislocation often caused by the vertebrae being slightly misaligned), while his left shoulder was fully dislocated at the start of the season in 2016.

“I always played back as a junior, so I went a bit better because there were a few more spots available than last year,” the 24-year old said.

Darby debuted for the Bombers in their 27-point loss to Port Melbourne in round four of last season and managed a further seven games for 2018. Having found his feet at VFL level, Darby’s engrossing mano-a-mano battle with marquee Footscray forward Tom Boyd last week was the latest step forward in his development.

In last year’s elimination final, the 2013 number one draft pick kicked four goals against Darby as the ’Scray snatched a thrilling five-point win. Fast forward seven months and Darby held Boyd goalless in their second meeting despite Footscray enjoying the run of play for much of the match.

“I probably knew how to play him a little bit better this time around,” Darby said.

“I always like taking the better forward because it helps improve your game and they take you to the right spots where the ball is. In the pre-season, you just want to play on the best forward, it helps your game.”

Competition is set to be hot for the key defender position in 2018 with Darby ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow tall backmen James Ferry, Alex Marklew and Sam Hooper.

“Every game you want to do the best you can to try to hit that spot because there’s three of us in the VFL fighting for that defensive spot as well,” Darby said.

“I just want to play as many games as I can, keep improving. I’m 24 now so I’m probably starting to hit my peak form. I just want to play as much as I can and hopefully if there’s a chance, get drafted.”