When you’re coming up against the AFL’s best side, it’s hard not to pay close attention to its successful formula.

For Mason Wood, it’s all about Richmond’s manic pressure.

“It is something we’ve looked at,” Wood told RSN.

“It is an interesting way that footy has gone, but it is what won them a premiership, so it’s hard not to look at what they’ve been doing.”

Despite being 192cm, Wood knows his height is no excuse for not chasing, tackling and creating turnovers in the forward half.

“We’re expected to be as good at applying manic pressure as anyone,” Wood commented.

“As an in-between forward, if my pressure isn’t up to standard, it makes it hard for me to keep my spot in the team.

“Everyone from Browny (Ben Brown) down to Nathan Hrovat is expected to apply pressure and do it well.”

Having overcome an unfortunate injury in recent weeks, Wood is excited the team’s dynamic ahead of Wednesday night’s JLT 2 clash against Richmond.

“Footy changes year-to-year as we know, but at the same time we’ll probably have Browny up forward, and then switch between Waitey (Jarrad Waite)  and I, and the rest will be smalls,” Wood said.

“I think Waitey will play a lot more on the wing and will be swapping forward as well, so if I have to go on the wing I might, but I’m very settled up forward at this stage. 

“I’m just trying to lock-down that second tall role.”

The fact Round 1 is less than a month away is invigorating, but Wood understands the importance of getting through the remainder of the pre-season unscathed.

“It’s all getting a bit exciting, and everyone’s getting a bit antsy to get out there, so it’s definitely ramping up,” Wood added.

“Everybody’s getting ready for Round 1, so I’m no different, and I’m just trying to get the body in as good a knick as possible for the next three weeks until Round 1.

“It’s exciting that the year’s coming around, but at the same time you’ve got to make sure you get through this next game to make it to the season.”