Gold Coast SUNS forward Brandon Matera’s strong pre-season has helped set the foundation for his career-best form.

Entering his seventh season at the SUNS, Matera knew that as a senior player it was important to work hard to earn his place in the team.

The last two drafts have seen Gold Coast select Callum Ah Chee and Ben Ainsworth, providing even more competition for spots in the forward line.

“It’s like that every year – you are always fighting for a spot,” he told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“We have got a really good list and we have picked up some good players.”

After starting the season in the NEAFL, Matera’s solid form earned him promotion to the senior team where he has gone on to kick 17 goals in five games.

However that isn’t the sole focus for the 25 year old, who has been pushed by the coaching staff to add more to his game.

“We aren’t judging him on disposals or goals, that’s (kicking goals) a by-product of how we want him to play and he’s learning those good habits” Rodney Eade said.

Matera acknowledges that the improvement hasn’t come about easily, and that he is back to enjoying his footy again.

“It’s come on the back of working a bit harder this year,” he said.

“I’m just enjoying it again. Last year was a bit harder with a few niggles and that so I was a bit down but this year I’m just really enjoying my footy.

“I’ve got a bit of consistency and that’s what I had to work on.”

Coming off last weekend’s win against Geelong, morale is high and Matera is one to praise the whole playing group.

“I love playing with all those boys and the more time we play with each other the better we play together.

“I put my best work in and it’s obviously paying off with the way my footy is going at the moment.”