Small defender Jed Bews is yet to play senior football in 2016, but says he is relishing the opportunity to improve at VFL level.

Named the VFL Cats’ best in their 14-point defeat at the hands of the Northern Blues, the 22-year-old told Krock Football the areas of improvement are clear and he knows what is needed to step back into the AFL frame.

“Beating my man, then being ruthless in a contest and not giving up those easy possessions,” Bews said.

“Getting more ball myself and urgency around when I get the ball and being able to try and hit up a target.

“It’s good to get in those good habits of putting the burners on and showing them the speed that I’ve got.”

Overlooked for all four of the Cats games thus far, Bews refuses to drop his head and is using that internal competition to ensure he is ready when his time comes.

“That’s what we want as a club, competition for spots,” Bews said.

“It drives me to get better and the club’s only going to get better.”