Up-and-coming defender Jason Ashby will look to launch his 2015 season with strong performances in the upcoming NAB Challenge series.

With a strong debut in 2014, including an impressive performance against Fremantle in just his second senior game, the poised defender will look to use the NAB Challenge as a way to gauge the hard work he has put in during the pre-season.

“It’s been a long pre-season but the competitive juices are flowing, so I’m ready to get back out there and hopefully get a win,” Ashby said.

Despite the backline missing the experienced hands of Fletcher, Hooker, Hurley and Baguley, Ashby remains confident in the ability of the Bombers’ younger players to step up for the occasion on Saturday against St Kilda in Morwell.  

“It’s a little bit different down back,” he said.

“But it’s up to us to be really vocal down there and lead. A lot of the young boys have taken massive leaps in their own pre-seasons.

“We’re going to jump out of our skin and hopefully come out really competitive.”

Coach James Hird also put the challenge out to some of the club’s upcoming players to utilise the NAB Challenge as a development opportunity.

“It’s a challenge for them, but it is a chance for them to lead the club,” said Hird.

“A lot of these guys have been in our system for three or four years and are ready to blossom. Saturday will give them that opportunity.”