New recruit James Aish has set his sights on breaking into Collingwood’s best 22 in time for round one next season.

Aish is aware of the midfield depth held by the Magpies, but believes he can play either on the wing or on the forward or back flanks.

“I want to play football - round one for the seniors and I want to be a solid contributor to the team,” Aish told Collingwood Media from Falls Creek on Thursday.

I’ve had a few chats with the coaches already… there’s a lot of competition for spots but I guess that’s the best thing for the team.”

After playing 32 games in two seasons for Brisbane, Aish requested a trade to Collingwood in October’s AFL Trade Period.

The 19-year-old on Thursday replicated the determined stance taken by fellow recruit Adam Treloar on the challenge of having to re-establish himself at a new club.

“I guess there is an element of proving yourself again. That’s a challenge, but that’s why I’m here,” Aish said.

“You want to get in and impress and gain the respect”

It appears as though Aish has already made inroads in gaining the respect of his first-to-fourth year teammates.

At the Magpies Falls Creek camp he is rooming with old friend and former South Australian teammate Matt Scharenberg. However the midfielder has been quickly put at ease by his welcoming new teammates.

“The boys have been fantastic,” Aish said.

“From the social element of introducing me to helping me settle in, they’ve been first class.

“It (the Falls Creek camp) has been a really good way to build some relationships. I think the team as a whole is starting to build together and people are stepping up and taking on some leadership as well.”

Despite the encouraging new faces, the trip to Victoria’s Alpine region hasn’t been all friendly meet-and-greets.

Aish believes his biggest challenge has been the intensity of Collingwood’s training regime.

“I’ve definitely found that one of the biggest differences is the circuit training in the gym,” he said.

“It’s all about intensity and maintaining that for a full session.

“I’m already feeling some improvement along the way.”

While Aish will have to wait until February to test his improvement on the field, he will continue to adjust to life at Collingwood.

It will begin with a new group of teammates to meet on Monday when the remainder of the Magpies’ list returns from their off-season break.