Early signs suggest the Bulldogs are on track to have close to a full playing list available for round one, with several players making promising starts to their preseason campaigns after post-season surgeries.

Jordan Roughead and Fletcher Roberts both underwent shoulder reconstructions at the conclusion of the season, and have resumed training.

Speaking with the Herald Sun, General Manager of Football Graham Lowe said he was confident they would be able to fulfil the majority of their pre-season obligations.

“Jordan and Fletcher are progressing well from their post-season shoulder surgeries and have resumed training. Both were able to complete good levels of endurance-based work through the early stages of their rehabilitation, which will hold them in good stead for the remainder of the pre-season program.”

Roughead injured his shoulder in the round three win against Richmond and battled bravely through the season, missing just two games, and averaging 11 disposals at 82.5 per cent.

Roberts spent most of the year in the VFL honing his defensive craft, but starred late in the year up forward with a match-winning performance in the final round, kicking a goal from outside 50m after the siren to secure a home final.

2013 draftee Matt Fuller and Clay Smith were the other two Bulldogs to undergo post-season surgery.

“Matt Fuller who also had post-season shoulder surgery is not too far behind and is on schedule to commence full-contact training next week,” Lowe said.

At this stage, Smith will be the only Bulldog not in full training after Christmas, after an ACL injury sidelined him for the second half of the season.

“Clay Smith is tracking well in his recovery from an ACL repair back in July. He has started straight line running, and most importantly for us, he is pulling up well from those sessions.”

The Bulldogs playing group will break on 19 December for the Christmas period, and will resume back training early in January.