Improved fitness and endurance levels will hold Western Bulldogs defender Daniel Pearce in good stead in 2014, as he looks to add to his senior games tally.

The third year recruit said his ability to run out four quarters would increase his chances of a senior berth, after spending last season developing his craft in the VFL.

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“I definitely think my fitness has improved a lot – there’s still a way to go, I am the first one to admit that but I think I am holding myself a lot better in terms of the longer drills and getting the kilometres into my legs,” Pearce said.

Boasting good burst speed, Pearce looks most impressive when breaking the lines from defence and setting up the Bulldogs attack.

While the 21-year-old has made gains in the pre-season, the addition of Sam Darley and Matthew Fuller over summer means back six spots will be hotly contested – but Pearce wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Competition is what drives the Club, it makes us train better, it makes us more accountable,” he said.

“We strive for that competition to know that someone is there to take our spot if we are not performing well enough.”

An increase in match simulation and competitive drills has added to Pearce’s motivation in recent weeks, as the focus turns to creating turnovers and hurting the opposition in attack.

“The intensity has definitely lifted, we are getting more towards that game-style training which is a lot more enjoyable because that is why we play,” he said.

“Especially leading into the first NAB Challenge in a few weeks, it is definitely exciting.”