Rising midfielder Nick O’Brien has singled out the contributions of one individual as a factor towards playing his best season to date.

O’Brien strung nine AFL games together in 2015, the most he’s achieved in his short career.

“It certainly was the first time that I played some consistent AFL footy,” O’Brien said.

“I feel that my game is at a level that I can be really competitive in the AFL.”

O’Brien, now in through his third season, said that VFL Coach Hayden Skipworth had been a significant factor in shaping him into the footballer he his today.

Playing the majority of his first two seasons with the VFL Dons, O’Brien admits he’s built a strong bond with Skipworth.

“I think Skippy has been fantastic in terms of my development,” he said.

“I really appreciate everything he’s done to get me where I am now.”

O’Brien entrenched himself as one of the Bombers rising ball-winners after he averaged 21.7 disposals in 2015.

A big off-season training could see him take the next step.

“I’ll certainly get back into training pretty quick,” O’Brien said.

“I’ll be training as hard as I can, and I’m sure in no time we will all be back for pre-season.”