Following his move from the forward line to the midfield, the Geelong small established himself as one of the most dangerous players on the Cats list.
Improving his aerobic capacity has been a big focus over recent seasons, and Stokes has been working hard to ensure he’ll continue to have a big impact on the competition in 2014.
The Cat returned to the Northern Territory during the break and worked on his running patterns and endurance.
“I went and did some pretty big runs,” Stokes told K-ROCK Football.com.au.
“I just really wanted to work on being super fit.
“I wanted to work hard before I came back and I think it’s paid off already.”
Finishing fourth in the club’s best and fairest last year, and enjoying a career-average of 26 disposals during the 2013 season, Stokes was a crucial part of the club’s success.
The improvement doesn’t come without its challenges though, Stokes admitting he felt extra pressure from the opposition.
“I knew it was going to get harder. At the end of last year I got tagged and targeted a few times in games.
“That’s going to happen if, hopefully, I keep playing the way I played last year.”
Despite the team having been knocked out in the 2013 preliminary final, ending an impressive winning-streak against Hawthorn, Stokes said he was pleased with his personal performance for the year.
“I went away from (the season) really happy and satisfied with my own form.”
