On the back of a career best season that saw him enter the upper echelon of AFL midfielders, David Swallow is ensuring he does what is required this pre-season to raise the bar again in 2015.

The West Australian became the first man other than Gary Ablett to claim the SUNS club champion award in Gold Coast’s short history. In the absence of his captain in the back half of 2014, Swallow demonstrated his exemplary leadership skills to help guide the club through a difficult period.

The 22-year-old midfielder is a third of the way through his sixth pre-season on the Gold Coast and identified the need to continually improve in order to retain his high level of consistency.

“Every year you want to continually improve, you talk to any player, that will be the same thing,” Swallow said.

“I’ve got certain areas I want to work on next year and take my game to another level. (I’m) really looking forward to the challenge next year.

“I can’t stand still, I’ve got to continually improve and look for areas where I can get better again.”

Following Rodney Eade’s appointment, the SUNS hierarchy decided to scrap their pre-season altitude training camp in Arizona to allow the new senior coach more time to imprint his game plan on the playing group.

Swallow revealed that the club’s decision to stay at home this pre-season has allowed the list to remain mentally fresh and also permitted the players to participate in more game-related drills earlier than in previous years.

“(We are) probably mentally a bit fresher because you’re staying local and you’re familiar with your surroundings. And obviously the travel can take it out of you,” Swallow said.

“The boys have enjoyed staying local and it’s nice and warm here and not so cold as Arizona.

“The boys are looking pretty fit now and we’ve got to just continue that momentum over the break and come back sharp after Christmas.”