COLLINGWOOD ruckman Josh Fraser has vowed to use hisfrustrating end to last AFL season as a spur to recover properly from a backinjury and get fitter than ever before.

Fraser missed four of the last five games in 2007 because ofa degenerative disc problem in his back, and found it tough watching theMagpies get beaten by eventual premier Geelongin a five-point preliminary final.

"There's nothing harder than sitting in the standswatching the boys preliminary final weekend," he said.

"That was difficult and it's in the back of my mind,but I'm using it as a bit of a spur next year and during the pre-season to makesure I get my body as good as it's ever been.

"I think we've got a pretty competitive group and if wework harder than we did last year we can go places."

Fraser was relieved not to require surgery and was pleasedwith his progress after a seven-week stint of rest and specific strengtheningexercises.

The Magpies' No.1 big man, who at 25 and after 156 games inseven seasons is ready to impose himself on the competition, wants to keeprucking despite the physical toll the position brings.

The Magpies' ruck division minus Fraser was exposed duringthe preliminary final defeat to Geelong,as the Cats' Brad Ottens dominated Collingwood's Guy Richards and Chris Bryan.

"There were patches there where we were really good,but most people tend to dwell on the times when you get beaten," Frasersaid.

"Unfortunately the preliminary final wasn't a great dayfor Collingwood and more unfortunately for those two boys, they seemed to cop araw deal because Otto had a great game."

Richards is now no longer at Collingwood, and Bryan will facecompetition from ex-Lion Cameron Wood, who arrived at the Lexus Centre duringtrade week.

Fraser is one of a handful of options to succeed NathanBuckley as skipper next year, but declined to discuss his aspirations.

However Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said the Magpieswere well stocked for choices through veteran Scott Burns and the next tier,which comprises Fraser, Nick Maxwell, Tarkyn Lockyer and Ben Johnson.

"We're far from having a void with Nathan's decision toretire, we've got a very, very open field and an amazing decision to make forthe future of our club," McGuire said.