After an off-season break spent strengthening his ankles and feet, Ballantyne said he'd started pre-season training much fresher than he did 12 months ago, giving him faith that he could remain injury free in 2013.
The provocative forward was sidelined for three games last season, however, because of suspensions for off-the-ball hits to Geelong's Paul Chapman and Richmond's Chris Newman.
Ballantyne has been found guilty at the Tribunal six times in his four seasons, missing five matches, but the 25-year-old appears committed to staying "fit and available" in his fifth season.
"Missing games of footy is disappointing no matter what it's for, whether it's injury or suspension," Ballantyne said.
"But that's something I can help. [If I'm] not doing silly things like that I'll be on the park for every game next year."
Ballantyne's suspensions last season came during his first year as part of the club's leadership group, which he was voted into by his teammates.
The brain fades suggested he might not be ready for an official leadership role, but there were aspects of his off-field work that had a strong impact at the club, particularly with Michael Walters.
Ballantyne played a key role mentoring Walters in 2012 as he worked his way back into favour, having been suspended from the club for not meeting fitness benchmarks.
The livewire forwards, who shape as a dangerous duo for Fremantle in 2013, continued to train together during the off-season and have both returned for training in impressive condition.
"He's done a lot of work for himself, I'm trying to be there to support him as much as I can," Ballantyne said.
"He's come back and met his skin fold targets and his weight targets, so he's looking really good at the moment and he's a really dangerous player.
"We went and did a couple of boxing sessions together and stuff like that.
"He's very committed. He wants to have a good season and he wants to earn a bit more respect from the playing group and the AFL."
Playing in tandem from round 16 on last season, Ballantyne and Walters combined for 43 goals in 10 games, playing a significant role in the team's push into the second week of the finals.
Ballantyne said he was still interested in spending more time in the midfield and he had used a surgery-free off-season to boost his running ability.
"I've done a lot of beach running, just to strengthen up my feet because that's one of my big weaknesses," he said.
"I've run five or six kilometres a couple of times a week, which has really helped.
"Last pre-season from the get-go my feet were hurting, but this year they feel really good.
"I'd like to play a bit more midfield, but wherever the coach wants me that's where I'll play."
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
