Director of Football Geoff Walsh says the Kangaroos are using last year’s finals campaign as a foundation for the season ahead.

Speaking on SEN’s Morning Glory program, Walsh said the entire playing group had learnt a lot from its run through to a Preliminary Final in 2014.

“We’re hopeful last year’s taste of finals, particularly the two final wins against Essendon and Geelong, give some belief to the squad,” Walsh said.

“It will give this squad the confidence to believe in themselves, that they are able to compete at the highest level.

“We are building some confidence and I think we are building a squad that, with hard work that goes along with it obviously, that we will be able to compete with anyone.”

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Following an impressive eight-point win over reigning premiers Hawthorn in Sunday’s NAB Challenge in Shepparton, Walsh praised his side’s character and intensity throughout the encounter.

“I thought yesterday one of the keynotes of our performance was our competitiveness around the ball,” he said.

“Even in the first 20 minutes when the Hawks did start well, I still thought around the ball our contested situation was at least breaking even, if not a little bit in front.

“Right from the start our competitiveness was really high.”

Walsh said the format of the pre-season competition was now spot on, giving teams a chance to test a number of players in the lead-up to the Premiership season.

“There’s not the pressure of winning NAB Cups and trophies. The clubs can use them as genuine preparation games.

“It’s well spaced and I think it’s good preparation.”