St Kilda endurance machine Ed Phillips feels much better prepared than this time last year, after being let off the leash in his second pre-season at Linen House Centre.

The 19-year-old has nipped at the heels of distance running king Jarryn Geary all summer, helping drag the group to new levels over the pre-season.

Playing predominantly on a wing for the Zebras in his first year at the club, the Caulfield Grammar product played 13 VFL games in an encouraging start to his career. But now, after putting a full pre-season in the bank, he has his eyes on a debut.

“I definitely feel a lot different to last year. Having the whole pre-season to build up has been really good,” Phillips told saints.com.au at Trevor Barker Oval on Wednesday.

“I feel like I’ve got some good running into my legs. I feel well prepared for the season and hopefully that can continue and I can keep building my game.”

While his massive engine is his biggest weapon, Phillips has worked on improving his running patterns over the summer to better utilise his main asset, as well as focusing on the contested side of his game.

“I’ve done a lot of work on my contest work in craft sessions and after training,” he said.

“I’ve spent a lot of time working on ground balls and the work is starting to show in the match sim, which is positive.

“I’ll keep working on that and my running in games, both offensively and defensively to support both ways. I’ve found that’s helped me get to the ball and get a bit more of the ball.

After deferring university last year to focus solely on football, Phillips will commence a Business and Arts double degree at Monash University next week, as he looks for greater balance in his life in 2018.

“I’m going back to uni this year where I’m doing a business and arts double degree. I’m starting off with one subject so I’ll see how that goes,” he said.

“Doing some study just takes your mind off footy and helps you focus on something else that has value in your life that you can direct your attention to.

“Something I found last year is footy can become consuming if you’re just doing this the whole time.”