FOLLOWING two injury-riddled seasons, classy Brisbane Lions midfielder Jared Polec is itching to help his team make the leap to finals contenders.

Polec came to the Lions with huge wraps when he was taken with the fifth pick in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.

The South Australian was touted as a strong and skilful player with elite kicking and blistering pace.

However, in his first two seasons, he's only been able to show the odd glimpse of talent squeezed between a frustrating run of injuries.

The 20-year-old had persistent knee problems in 2011 that restricted him to three games, while after 12 matches last season, an adductor injury cut his year short.

Now back into full pre-season training, Polec realises 2013 is a big season not only for the Lions, but for him personally.

"Seeing all the other boys (training) is very frustrating but it makes you want to work hard to get back on the track," Polec told lions.com.au.

"When I first did my knee it was very frustrating, I thought the worst of it, but you've got to take it as having a bit of a fresh start and you develop your body a lot more strength-wise, and you come back wanting to play so much more.

"It's frustrating when you're in the side and you get injured and you're out and have to get back in, but it makes you want it more."

Polec said the Lions have eyed the finals as their target for next season.

Another player hoping to help the Lions jump forward next year is upgraded Irish rookie Niall McKeever, who has 19 games to his name in the past two seasons.

Like his ever-improving teammate Pearce Hanley, the lanky key defender played Gaelic football in his home country before being recruited by the Lions.

Now in his fourth AFL pre-season, McKeever said he had finally adjusted to the professionalism of the sport.

"Just backing it up day after day is the big thing when you come over here, multiple trainings through the week," he said.

"You get used to it … but at the same time it's never easy. There's a massive difference between having a job and working 9-5 and then going to gym and training afterwards, and it's a different style here."

McKeever said although he occasionally he got homesick, he was well and truly entrenched in Australia and loved playing for the Lions.

Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting