Fremantle defender Chris Tarrant will treat 2010 as if it's his last season in the AFL as he bids to improve on last year's standout campaign.

Tarrant, who spent his first 11 years in the AFL as a key forward, was a revelation in defence last season, narrowly missing out on All-Australian selection and finishing third in the club's best and fairest award.

But the 29-year-old, who enters the final season of a four-year contract, said he was unsure whether he would still be playing at the elite level in 2011.

"When you're coming towards the end of your career you just try to play every season as thought it's your last," Tarrant said.

"As most players do at my age you weigh it up as the season goes along and see how you're feeling.

"One serious injury for guys my age and it's over so I'm preparing and taking every game like it could be my last."

Tarrant said his experience in defence last year plus an uninterrupted pre-season had him on track for his best year yet in the AFL.

"Last year was very much a learning year for me but now people expect me to play well, play on the better players and beat the better players," he said.

"I know where I sit now.

"Playing on players two or three times, you probably get to know how these guys play.

"The first couple of games in the NAB Cup have been pretty good for myself in terms of just feeling good about how I'm going, so hopefully I can take that into the season.

"I'm going into games where I'm pretty confident."

Fremantle tackle Geelong at Subiaco Oval on Saturday in their final hit-out of the pre-season.

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