Talented, young Richmond defender Dylan Grimes has entered the pre-season campaign in the best shape of his four-year AFL career.

Grimes has managed just 26 games due to a string of injury problems during his time at Tigerland.

He missed about half of the 2013 season with a foot injury, and he’s also had to overcome persistent hamstring trouble.

The 22-year-old, however, finally seems to have caught a break with his body.  

He played in the Tigers’ final four games this year, including the elimination final loss to Carlton, and has started training on time.

Sign up as a Richmond member for the 2014 season

“[The body] is pretty good. I haven't got too much to complain about this early in the pre-season,” he told SEN.

“I think it's the fittest I've been in my career, starting pre-season, and I'm rapt to be out on the park at the moment . . .

“It’s third day in, so things aren’t getting too hard at the moment, but I’m sure they’ll pick up.”