Entering his sixth season in the AFL, Gold Coast SUNS ruckman Tom Nicholls has managed to play just 30 of a possible 110 games.

The 24-year-old registered only 15 appearances in four injury-ravaged seasons between 2011 and 2014 before doubling that tally in 2015.

Heading into 2016, Nicholls has completed over 80% of the pre-season program set by Elite Performance Director Justin Cordy, a new personal best.

He looks set for a big year with a solid fitness base behind him.

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“It has been a long pre-season,” Nicholls told SUNS TV.

“Body’s feeling really good. I mentioned before I think I’ve done the most pre-season I’ve ever done before since being here so fitness wise, durability wise, feeling the best I’ve ever felt.”

Nicholls battled with Zac Smith throughout the 2015 season for the number one ruck mantle, cementing the title after an outstanding performance against West Coast in round seven.

With Smith departing for Geelong in the off-season, it would’ve been easy for Nicholls to rest on his laurels and assume the position remained his own.

However the arrival of Dan Currie from the Kangaroos has driven Nicholls to new heights, with healthy competition in the ruck division leaving the SUNS strongly positioned in what may have previously been viewed as an area of concern.

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“You don’t improve until you’re pushed and you’ve got that competition and Dan’s been really good,” Nicholls said.

“Super trainer, super runner, he did really well against ‘Nic Nat’ on Thursday and yeah, really spurred me on to get the best out of myself.”