This time last year Josh Thomas was a rookie in a rare situation.

Despite seven years on Collingwood’s list with 32 AFL games under his belt, the Queenslander was the new kid on the block once again as he returned to the club alongside Lachlan Keeffe after an ASADA-enforced suspension.

There were new names and faces to learn, and a spot in the team to try and re-claim.

“Last year was a bit of a whirlwind,” Thomas reflected as he spoke to the Gold Coast media on Friday.

“I found some form in the VFL, then worked my way back into the seniors and tried to hold my spot.

“It all went so quickly.”

With this in mind, when Thomas describes pre-season training this time around as “long and arduous”, he does so with no trace of negativity in his tone.

Normality has resumed.

The 26-year-old played nine consecutive games in 2017 after graduating from the rookie list and having his return AFL outing in round 15 against Hawthorn.

His strong form after over two years away from the game may have impressed many, but the midfielder is adamant he can keep improving.

“I was quite happy with how it (the season) went, but at the same time I’m not satisfied.

“I want to improve five to ten per cent across the board (in 2018).”

Key to this improvement will be a host of new staff members who have popped up at the Holden Centre over the off-season.

Nick Maxwell is now directing the club’s leadership program, Kevin White has taken the reigns as strength and conditioning manager, while Justin Longmuir, Garry Hocking and Matthew Boyd have been added to the coaching panel.

Combine this with a host of new first-year players and Collingwood’s group feels “rejuvenated” ahead of the upcoming campaign.

“There are a lot of new voices and a few new ideas,” Thomas said.

“It’s been a really successful camp for us.

“There’s a lot of energy about the group and we’re feeling really optimistic we can have a good 2018.”

He closed the toughest chapter of his life by playing against Hawthorn in 2017. Now Thomas hopes to open a new one as a ‘normal’ Collingwood player when the Magpies kick off the season against the Hawks in just over 60 days’ time.