Star Wallabies winger James O'Connor is taking nothing for granted this Super rugby season as he prepares to play a number of backline roles for the Western Force.

The Force added much-needed depth to their backline over the off-season, with the return to full fitness of Cameron Shepherd an added bonus on top of the recruitment of five-eighth Willie Ripia, utility Alfie Mafi and winger David Smith.

O'Connor is planning to play a role on the wing or at fullback but said he would step in at inside centre or flyhalf if needed.

"For once we've got key players in the 10, 12 role," O'Connor said at training on Thursday.

"There's so many outside backs that have come in.

"David Smith, Cameron Shepherd, Nick Cummins - there's a world-class back three there, so if I'm going to be playing in those spots I'm going to have to earn my keep.

"I guess coming off a Wallabies tour on the wing, that's probably where most people would guess I'll be playing.

"But for me it's wherever I fit into the team.

"I'm pretty comfortable at fullback, especially with two seasons there at the Force, and 12 as well I can slot in there.

"I played two games at 10 last year so I'm pretty comfortable there as well, but for me personally I think 15, wing or 12 will be the go.

"I'm going to be working for my spot this year, that's for sure."

O'Connor hoped his younger brother Jonny, who is on trial at the club, could eventually push for a spot on the team.

"He's living with me now so he's been to bed early every night, I think they're working him pretty hard," James O'Connor said.

"He's a pretty similar player to me.

"I think he's going to be a bit bigger though, so hopefully he can maybe stick to the frontline and leave the backs for me."

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was an interested onlooker at Force training in Perth on Thursday as part of his visit to all five Australian franchises ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand later this year.

The Force finished a dismal 13th in last year's injury-plagued season but O'Connor said finals were a realistic goal under new coach Richard Graham.

"I think we're definitely going to be in the running for finals," O'Connor said.

"We've got a good enough team.

"It's just going to depend if we can keep our players on the field.

"One third of the team is new so there's a freshness aspect about it."

O'Connor, who went to school in Brisbane, is raising money for the flood relief in Queensland by auctioning off the boots he wore in Australia's 26-24 win over the All Blacks last year, when he kicked the winning conversion.

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