Veteran defender Andrew Mackie is confident that he can return to his best form during the coming premiership season and help the Cats push back towards the top rungs of the ladder.

"I hate talking before (the season), you can talk anything up,” Mackie said in an interview with Fairfax Media reporter Peter Hanlon.

“But if I didn't think I could get better as a player I might as well have walked out last year.

“I'm striving to be better, and have the best season that I've ever had. Hopefully things work out."

Mackie already has three premierships to his name, but with the Cats having added talent like Paddy Dangerfield, Scott Selwood, Lachie Henderson and Zac Smith over the summer, he’s dreaming about winning another one.

"I always dream, that's just me," he said. "You look at the place now, we're on the verge of a season that's full of excitement.

"Speak to anyone this time of year, it's all pretty clichéd.

“But we're lucky enough some players wanted to come into the joint and be part of it.

“We're thankful they wanted to, and really looking forward to what unfolds.

“We have really high standards. Ultimately, you want to win a premiership every year.

“We've got a lot of work to do, but the coaching structure's been really solid, the coaches really have engaged with the players. It's a really good thing.

“It's great for the players – we're really clear about what we need to be doing and where we sit. That's all you can ask for."

Mackie missed seven games last season after suffering a quad injury during the early rounds.

But the 31-year-old was back to his best by the end of the Cats’ campaign, and he was subsequently rewarded with a new two-year contract.

With the NAB Challenge just around the corner, he can hardly contain his excitement about lining up alongside Dangerfield.

"To be honest I didn't know him much, but he's been a breath of fresh air," Mackie said.

"I really like the person that he is, the way he handles himself.

“I'm looking forward to playing footy with him. The three other guys have been exactly the same. I've found them really pleasant to be around."