A longstanding relationship with Chris Maple and the lure of regular senior VFL football proved too great for Werribee ruckman Darcy Fort, who has signed on to the Footscray Bulldogs for 2014.

The 2013 Werribee Best First Year Player has not turned back since his move to the kennel, working diligently under the direction of Maple - the Bulldogs’ Development Manager.

Become a 2014 Western Bulldogs member today and help us 'Gather The Pack.’

“I knew Mapes prior and it was a good opportunity to develop my game further and play senior footy,” Fort said.

“It’s a step up from even VFL training at Werribee – it’s been hard but it’s been good.”

Fort has already utilised the close connections to the Bulldogs to better his game, drawing on the knowledge of Assistant Coach Steven King to improve his craft in the ruck.

“The fact that the AFL coaches are there at training it definitely helps… Kingy has taught me a few things already,” he said.

After playing 18 games between the senior and development side during his first year at Werribee in 2013, Fort has taken on a new role providing guidance to the younger players at the Bulldogs.

“I think everyone is really excited to be here, the young boys are all new to VFL footy so they are keen as mustard,” he said.

“There’s a good bunch of young players and I’ve got a bit more experience now but I’m enjoying it.”

The 20-year-old has turned heads both in the ruck and for his ground work, but Fort said it is his unwillingness to be beaten that drives him as a player.

“I am very competitive, that is the biggest one for me… I am competitive around the ball and pretty aggressive,” he said.

“For me individually [this pre-season], it is definitely to get that fitness up but for the group as a whole, it is about putting in place the VFL game plan.”