COLLINGWOOD’s Moana Hope believes her best footy is ahead of her after returning to the team last weekend.  

The 30-year-old forward struggled to live up to the hype of her marquee status in 2017, averaging 5.1 disposals and one goal following a 100-goal season in the VFLW competition. 

This year, Hope was dropped following a goalless game against Carlton in round one. 

She made a successful return against Greater Western Sydney on the weekend (albeit in a loss), kicking two goals including a Goal of the Year contender from the pocket in the third term. 

"Having a disappointing year has made me hungry, because I couldn’t play how I wanted to play and it’s just made me want to go even further to be better," Hope said. 

"Playing at the elite level definitely changes your outlook on what you need to feel when you’re out on the field. Physically being stronger and fitter – that’s what I concentrate on.

"Pushing myself to the point where it hurts because I know it’s working." 

Hope dropped 15kg in the off-season to improve her fitness, and said the change made her a better player.

"I made it because I wanted to be an elite athlete," she said. 

"I wanted to play football at the highest standard and play the best football I could play."