Having experienced the highs of a successful finals campaign last year only to be dealt the blow of a grand final loss, Hill understands the level of commitment it takes to be one of the last two teams standing in September.
But he’s well aware the Dockers need to take it up a further notch if they’re to go beyond second place this year.
‘We know we’ve got to do the hard work again,’ he said.
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READ NOW‘We’re not guaranteed to get there, so we’re just trying to make sure we really work hard through the pre-season and try and get back to where we played last year.’
Fremantle takes another step in its preparation when it faces the Western Bulldogs in its second pre-season clash tomorrow at Docklands.
The 2013 grand finalists will be looking for an improved performance after their 84-point loss to West Coast last week.
While admitting the Eagles dominated them in the Arena Joondalup clash, Hill felt all the better for the hitout.
‘It’s good to get a few minutes and just start playing some football now,’ he said.
‘Hopefully we can keep building for round one.’
Fremantle faces West Coast again in a practice match at Subiaco Oval on March 6, before its 2014 campaign begins against Collingwood in Melbourne on March 14.