DEFENDER Jed Bews has set his sights on improving his aerobic fitness during the pre-season so he can cope with the reduction in rotations being introduced in 2016.

Teams will be allowed just 90 interchanges per match next year, down from 120 in the past few seasons, in a change that was made to complement the removal of subs from the game.

Bews is well aware he'll need a bigger tank to ensure he can adapt to the new rule.

“My key focus will just be developing my engine again,” the 21-year-old told geelongcats.com.au.

“It’s a bit like last year - do a lot of kms and just try to improve that aerobic capacity so I can stay out on the ground longer.

“Especially with the interchange coming down, I think I’ll need that.”

Given the way the Cats' list was strengthened over the off-season, Bews expects there to be “good, healthy competition” for spots in the AFL team next year.

After playing 15 AFL games in 2015, he has set his sights on grabbing hold of a position as small defender and hanging onto it..

“I guess I’ve just got to keep working on my game, try to keep improving," Bews said.

“I think that’s what the coaches wants to see. They just want to see you keep improving.

“We’ll see how it goes.”