Kyle Hardingham has revealed he spoke to coach Mark Thompson at the end of last season about a potential move to the forward line.

Having only managed eight games as a defender in 2013 the highflying swingman recognised the opportunity of a move forward with the departure of Scott Gumbleton and Stewart Crameri in the off-season.

“When I first got to the club I was a defender but in my time at East Fremantle I did spend a little bit of time playing up forward,” Hardingham said.

“I went up to Bomber at the end of last year and said with Stewart Crameri leaving the team that I wanted to take his spot to show I can play up forward.”

“If they need me to go back I can go back so it has just given me another lease on life.”

Hardingham has kicked seven straight goals from his first three games this season as a key member of a new look Bombers forward line.

“Every footballer has things to work on and for myself it was my kicking so I made sure towards the end of the year that was my main target,” he said.

“I got a few games towards the end of the year and that really set me up for the start of this year.”

“I am just happy to be out there and playing my role now.”

“The fact that I can go either end of the ground because it just gives me a bit of versatility.”

The 25 year old has praised the guidance of assistant coach Nathan Bassett who joined the club at the start of the season.

“He has been terrific coming across from Adelaide, I think Goody (Simon Goodwin) put in a good word for him and he has been terrific,” Hardingham said.

“He is really positive and gets everyone up and about to prepare for the next week.”