Leigh Adams is desperate to bounce back from a season he described as 'really disappointing'.

Despite playing 22 home and away games, the courageous small-forward admits his form was affected by a delayed pre-season and a battle with knee soreness.

"I did manage to play a fair few games, but I didn't have anywhere near the output I've had before," Adams told NMFC.com.au.

"I had a knee scope at the end of last year and I didn't end up running until about this time (mid-January).

"You are trying to catch-up a full pre-season's work in six weeks and it takes its toll on you. In the end I was just battling week to week to get myself up.

"I played the majority of the season, but missed out on the pre-season I really needed to have. My fitness levels just weren't at the levels they needed to be."

Another knee scope at the end of 2014 has meant Adams has been on a modified training program, but he said he's confident of getting back to his best.

"I'm hoping to get that fitness base to allow me to train more during the year.

"From now on I think I'll build up and in the next couple of weeks, I should be doing full training, which will be nice."

Competition for spots is going to be tough this year. The addition of Shaun Higgins, potentially in attack, as well as the emergence of Kayne Turner, means positions are at a premium. Add rookie Robin Nahas in the mix and North boasts plenty of depth.

"I haven't set too many goals - I'm just looking to get a good pre-season in. If I can get my body right and get a good base under my belt I'm pretty confident I'll be able to have a lot better year.

"Who knows? It might not be as many games, but I think I'll be a lot more effective than what I was last year."

Adams also revealed his 'devastation' at missing North's 2014 finals series.

An incident against the Demons in Round 23, which saw him cop 'a knee or elbow in the back of the head' ultimately cost him a spot in September.

Ruled out of the Elimination Final against Essendon, Adams was closely monitored by the club's medical team the following week as he made a bold bid to get back.

"Once I finally got back out there and was feeling better, I had a further assessment from a neurologist.

"It was decided that there was no point rushing back, and to just allow more time to make sure there were no problems."

Adams had reason to celebrate over Christmas, marrying his partner Cassie in the Yarra Valley.

"We had a fantastic time at the wedding, and spent a couple of weeks along the East Coast of America for our honeymoon. It was an amazing experience.

"Now I'm really excited to get back to footy."