Petrevski-Seton, who finished sixth in this year's Rising Star voting, had a remarkable campaign, considering his first pre-season was hampered by a calf injury. Despite this, his form in a practice match on the eve of the season opener against Richmond was too good to ignore, and he was selected.

He would play in 20 matches, earning his Rising Star nomination against Collingwood in round seven (21 disposals, two goals). There was a tough period mid-season but, overall, he would average 14 disposals per game (season-high 22 against Essendon in round 17) and boot 10 goals, justifying his selection as the sixth pick in last year's national draft.

He would also bring a flair the Blues need as part of their rebuild. This included a celebratory chest bump in memory of his grandparents whenever he booted a goal.

"It was a great learning experience for me. To play that many games, and just to go out there each week and play against good, quality opposition, it was great. I developed my skills," he said.

"I was pretty humble, grateful to get that experience early. Now I know what I need going into my second season."

Season-ending injuries to midfield hardnuts Patrick Cripps and Ed Curnow gave Petrevski-Seton the opportunity to slip more into the midfield, an area he flourished in as a junior.

However, he understands he will need to build his relatively slight frame (listed at 74 kilograms) if he is to impose himself more on the league's elite.

"To have the opportunity to run in there (midfield) while Patrick Cripps and Ed Curnow were out was a learning opportunity against quality opposition and quality midfielders," he said.

"As a first-year (player), you don't do too much, you gradually build yourself up (in the pre-season). This one is going to be my first full pre-season and, hopefully, I finish it 100 per cent."

Petrevski-Seton said his aim would be to spend more time in the midfield, an area where the Blues acknowledge they need greater depth.

"Definitely. We want every midfielder to be up and about ... if I have a really strong pre-season, I'll set myself up to have some quality time in the midfield in the second year," he said.

The Blues will want to improve their work at clearances, finishing second last (although finalist Essendon was last) this season. They were also second last in inside 50s.

The 2018 campaign will be coach Brendon Bolton's third in charge, and expectations are set to rise, particularly if the cashed-up Blues can be successful through the trade period.

They have an interest in five of Greater Western Sydney's flock, including superstar Josh Kelly, but have missed out on Jacob Hopper, who re-signed on Saturday.

The Blues won six matches this year but may need at least nine next year for a pass mark.

"We want to have a settled year, we want to get to finals and be a consistent team. We just have to back it up from this year. Hopefully, this year gives our supporters and fans and members some confidence," Petrevski-Seton said.

"We have a good, solid defence that were hard to score against. We just want to keep building our reputation and, hopefully, we can get there."

The Blues did boast a tight defence this year, with All-Australian Sam Docherty, a reborn Liam Jones, Lachie Plowman and Caleb Marchbank pivotal in this area.

However, their attack needs work, for they did not once notch 100 points or more (season-high 97 v Swans in round six) and averaged a league-low 72.5 points per game. It's hoped the development of Harry McKay, who played two senior games, will help.

"We want to try and hit the scoreboard a bit more, get over 100 points in games," Petrevski-Seton said.

The midfield dasher will head home to Halls Creek, in the East Kimberley region of WA, after the grand final, and will return fresh in time for the start of pre-season training in November.