AN INJURY-free pre-season, improved confidence and a change in attitude have put forward Addam Maric among the ones to watch at Melbourne this year.  

The 19-year-old has played 11 matches in two seasons, but believes he has turned a significant corner as he approaches the 2010 season. 

"This pre-season is the first year since I've been at the club that I've been running before Christmas," Maric told melbournefc.com.au.

Maric, taken at selection No. 21 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft has undergone a tough initiation into the elite ranks.

He arrived at Melbourne having just undergone a left shoulder reconstruction and after his debut year, he had a hip scope. Last season, he was sidelined from round 14 after another reconstruction - this time on his right shoulder.

"It was frustrating, considering I've had three major operations since I've been at the club," Maric said.

However, he has been able to focus on the positive side of his predicament.

"It did give me time to get my body right and I've had the full benefits of that rest and my body feels great now.

"Hopefully I've had all of my injuries in one go.

With coach Dean Bailey going on the record as to Maric's impressive pre-season, the young forward feels he has the backing and the confidence to progress in his career.

"I've got to make that step and there are no real excuses [because] I can't hide behind my injuries this year.

One of the attributes Maric is hoping to bring to the top level this year is his kicking efficiency, which was considered elite at junior level.

"[My kicking] dropped off a little after I had my operations, but I feel I've got it back to what it was … hopefully I have a good season in front of goals."

Although Maric is expected to play predominantly as a forward in 2010, his goal is to spend greater time in the middle.

"I'd love to push up the ground, once my motor gets big enough. If I can back up a few pre-seasons, hopefully I can get up the ground a lot more," he said.

Despite spending most of his time at the other end of the ground, defender Jared Rivers has been something of a mentor to the young Demon.

"Jared Rivers has been really good to me," said Maric.

"We get along very well and he's been helping me out with my footy, even though he plays a different position to me."