The 202cm veteran of 43 games played a career-high 16 matches in 2012, sharing ruck duties with Patrick Ryder and veteran David Hille.
"Tom Bellchambers is training very well and is looking to take the No.1 ruck mantle at the moment," Hird told afl.com.au on Friday.
"We've got good back-up in David Hille as well so Tommy's really been outstanding with his pre-season so far."
Hille, 31, played nine senior games last year and has signed a one-year contract extension.