HAVING answered many of the critics who questioned his ability to play consistent football, Port Adelaide forward Justin Westhoff hopes to put the issue to bed once and for all in 2014.
Westhoff started last season in blistering form and strung together huge performances from rounds one to four.
He averaged 22 possessions and more than three goals in each of those displays, including a 25-disposal, 14-mark, five-goal demolition of Greater Western Sydney in round two.
In the lead-up to the 2013 season he spoke about the need to find consistency in his game and although his form dipped at stages, last season was by far the best of his career.
The 27-year-old proved a point to himself last year: he's capable of performing week in, week out.
"I've always had a little trouble with it early on in the season and hopefully I put a few demons to bed last year," Westhoff told AFL.com.au.
"It's obviously a big key to me playing well and hopefully the team playing well.
"It's just about focusing on knowing you've done the hard work over the last few months and putting those things into place.
"Having that little bit more experience probably helps me out a bit [too]."
The 199cm forward has barely missed a session this pre-season, another important factor that ensures he starts the premiership season full of confidence.
Along with most of the Power's stars, Westhoff didn't face Adelaide last weekend but will do so against in Port's second NAB Challenge game against Essendon on Tuesday.
"I'm just really looking forward to this week and getting back into it," he said.
"I think your pre-season really pays off early and to start the season well is pretty important for your confidence.
"Personally I'll be looking forward to getting out there and contributing as much as I can to the game and setting the tempo for us."
As important as Westhoff's on-field output is to the Power, his off-field duties are also becoming integral with the club fielding several budding key forwards on its books.
Together with Jay Schulz, he is passing his knowledge on to the likes of John Butcher, Mason Shaw and Mitch Harvey.
Shaw is touted as the most similar player to Westhoff – a 197cm forward who can work up the ground and pinch-hit in the ruck.
While his career remains in its earliest stages, Harvey looks destined to play deeper in attack.
Westhoff said the club had done well to secure the right mix of key forwards.
"It's a challenge for me and 'Schulzy' to get those guys along as quick as we can. Obviously (having) two or even three talls is going to benefit us long term and even short term," he said.
"They've got pretty good attributes, they're all big guys who could probably play that forward ruck rule as well.
"We've recruited well, it's hard to find a good key forward these days and they've put in the hard yards over the pre-season so hopefully they can sneak in for a few more games over the next couple of weeks."
