ESSENDON running defender Lauchlan Dalgleish has set a firm target for 2015 – playing 10 or more senior games.

Achilles and calf injuries last season kept him from appearing in a senior match after a breakthrough end to 2013 with three matches at AFL level off the rookie list.

The 21-year-old said he was beginning to regain his fitness after overcoming his injury woes.

"I have been able to get through most of the pre-season so far, so that is a good sign," he told the club's website.

"Hopefully I can get through a full pre-season and hopefully I can get a consistent game.

"I would like to build towards getting 10 or more games in the seniors."

Dalgleish made his debut as a running half-back against North Melbourne in round 21, 2013, impressing with 13 possessions.

Three matches to finish that season has given him the confidence that he has what it takes to make it at the top level.

"It is a bit of a shock. I have just come out of the development group this year, so I am now doing pretty much the full pre-season," Dalgleish said.

"You feel a bit more confident being able to talk to the older players and making sure you get confidence from yourself.

"I know I can do it now that I have played a few games, so hopefully I can build that into 2015 and a few more years after that."

Dalgleish faces a tough task to win a spot on Essendon's half-back line, with Michael Hibberd, Courtenay Dempsey and Martin Gleeson among the incumbents.

"If I prove myself to be fit and ready to go, then I think I have a position in the senior team," he said.

"There might be a few other boys across half-back that I might have to nudge out first, but I will see how I go."

Lauchlan Dalgleish in action on debut in 2013. Picture: AFL Media