Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow launched into his first full pre-season this morning since breaking his leg in 2010, saying he was "in the best position I have been in my time at the footy club".

The 24-year-old had thumb ligament damage operated on during the off-season and will be on restricted ball-work for two weeks.

However, he said finally completing a full running program would help him play at his best in 2013 as part of a midfield that aimed to be more consistent.

"There was a fair bit of criticism towards [the midfield] - and rightly so - in the first half [of last season] as we were slowly coming to grips with the changeover in coaching," Barlow said.

"I think our second half really stood up and I think there's a lot more improvement to come.

"This year we can really look to take the next step and become a really consistent midfield.

"We showed in eight or nine weeks last year that we're up to it, but consistency is probably our main aim this year."

Barlow said he had contacted former Port Adelaide midfielder Pearce, who will join his new teammates in training either on Friday or next Monday.

He said newly appointed assistant coach Brett Kirk would also play a big role in helping the midfield improve.

"I think he's been across 60 per cent of the list already and had a good five or 10-minute chat at minimum with them," Barlow said.

Watch the 1st to 3rd year players training on DTV.