They say you don’t know what you have until it’s gone, and for Tory Dickson, missing the opening month of the home and away season through injury made his return last Saturday night all the more sweeter.

“I think I missed a good six to seven weeks on the sidelines with little things," Dickson told westernbulldogs.com.au on Tuesday.

“I obviously had the irritated adductor and then the quad strains, so it was definitely exciting to get out there with the boys.

“Watching games isn’t as fun as playing the games.”

Dickson picked up where he left off last year, kicking two goals and gathering 18 possessions in his comeback game, a strong fitness base developed over the previous two summers ensuring the transition back wasn’t too difficult.

“I think because I’ve had two pretty big preseasons where I haven’t missed a beat - it kind of helped me fitness wise.

“There’s obviously nerves coming back to hopefully perform from coming off last year.

“[But] it’s good to get through a game and obviously having those two niggles, just being able to get through a game, you know, with confidence in my body.”

While largely known for his offensive output, Dickson kicked 50 goals last season, including five in the elimination final against Adelaide, the 28-year-old prides himself on his defensive game.

“It’s pretty much all I do focus on.

“It’s just bringing that defensive effort every week and you know if I’m not kicking goals then I am hopefully creating goals for my other teammates.

“It’s all about the team, as long as we- as a team are kicking goals and getting the win that’s all that matters.”