Courtenay Dempsey says not knowing whether he’ll be offered a new contract has helped motivate him for 2016.

The 28 year old has signed a new deal, but went through several weeks uncertain of where he would play next year.

“Being out of contract is part of football, but it’s just the unknown,” Dempsey said.

“You don’t know whether you’ll have to move to a different state, which means I’ll have to move my family.”

Dempsey, Jake Long and Shaun Edwards recently travelled to the Northern Territory to provide guidance for young people in a number of communities.

The trio also braved hot conditions to step up their training programs ahead of pre-season training next month.

“For me I’ve just tried to concentrate on getting my body right, training and getting ready for the pre-season,” Dempsey said.

“I’m ready, up and running and ready to train for the new pre-season.”

New Coach John Worsfold has hinted Dempsey’s late season move to the forward line may continue in 2016.

Dempsey kicked four goals in the final three games of the season.