Classy Fremantle teenager Adam Cerra is intent on building his running power this summer as he sets his sights on a dual role between half-back and in the midfield in 2019.

The prized 2017 No.5 draft pick said it would be “massive” for him to complete a full pre-season as he tries to avoid burning out.

Cerra insisted he wasn’t even thinking about the second-year blues as he looks for greater consistency after a 21-game debut season that was highlighted by a remarkable best-afield display in the round 12 win over Adelaide.

“I was quite happy, without being satisfied,” Cerra said of his 2018. “I had a couple of stand-out games but I probably didn’t hit that consistency that I would have liked. It was my first full season I’d completed in three years, starting from 16s. So I was rapt to get the amount of games out that I did but towards the end definitely, the mental and physical fatigue comes in.”

Cerra, 19, is already ahead of where he was a year ago, having come in following shoulder surgery and admitting he wasn’t very fit. But he has no immediate plans to build his bulk.

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“They don’t want me gaining weight yet because they want me to probably boost my running and improve on that but fat percentages have gone down and I’m watching what I eat a bit more,” he said.

“I’d say repeat sprints are the focus. I have to build on my running so that next year I’ll be able to run out games a lot more easily and hopefully that will reflect in my performance.”

Cerra was thrown around last season but played his best football at half-back where he could use smart decision-making and skill to greatest effect.

He also believes he could potentially be part of the plan to fill the void left by midfielder Lachie Neale, alongside Andrew Brayshaw, Connor Blakely and Stephen Hill.

Camera Icon The No.5 pick in the draft was in the Dockers’ best several times in his debut year. Credit: Getty Images

“Ross (Lyon) is trying to develop me in different roles,” he said. “Next year, I’ll be more a mix between half-back and midfield and it will be a good opportunity to not only build on my midfield craft, but also my back craft so it gives me a bit more flexibility.”

The Victorian won’t have to deal with constant speculation about his future after signing a two-year contract extension to the end of 2021 in September.

“It was an easy choice,” Cerra said. “I am really excited for the future. Finals are on every team’s mind but for our review from last season and going into next year, we’d just like to get some more consistency with our performances.”

Cerra, who spent his first year with a host family, is learning to cook for himself and do his own washing after moving in with Brayshaw and Hugh Dixon.

He said it was tough seeing Brayshaw’s jaw broken in the western derby.

“I’m close with Andy, we are best mates both on and off the field so that night it was a bit overwhelming,” he said.