ESSENDON star Michael Hibberd is shedding weight in an effort to overcome persistent hamstring issues.
The Bombers suspect the brilliant defender has been too heavy in recent times and believe a lighter frame will make him less susceptible to soft-tissue problems.
"I'm running really well at the moment and I'm maybe a kilo or two lighter, which I'm hoping will take the stress off my hamstrings," Hibberd told the Herald Sun from Boulder, Colorado, where he is among a small group of Bombers doing altitude training.
"I did two in a row last year and probably came back a bit early from the first one, which was frustrating.
"Being a half-back/winger that runs a fair bit, I was carrying about 92kg or 93kg, where getting around 90kg or even lower would be nice.
"The club seems to think that's why I've had some hammy issues in the past. If I can keep my weight under 90kg from now on, that would be a good goal for me.
"Maybe I'm just naturally heavy. I haven't been under 90kg since I was 17 so maybe it's in the genes."
The 24-year-old, who recently committed to Essendon to the end of 2017, said fan fears about a potential mass exodus of Bombers over the ongoing supplements saga had been debunked.
"We're as tight as we've ever been," he said.
"I was never going to leave the club. I wanted to show I'm faithful to the club and a lot of guys have been the same in the last two years while it's all been going on. We've lost Paddy (Ryder to Port Adelaide), but he's the only one.
"I can see others signing from here on, too. We're comfortable and we know what we want to achieve and I can't see anyone else leaving. That exodus stuff is a bit of a myth."
The Bombers, who lost their elimination final to North Melbourne after surrendering a 33-point lead, are now determined to improve the club's recent finals record, he said.
"I've only been at the club for four seasons, but losing that final last season burns a bit in the guts," he said.
"For Essendon, its members and fans, 10 years without winning a final is pretty disappointing for what has been a historically successful club. Winning one next year is definitely where we need to be."
