The Western Bulldogs’ development has been fast tracked this pre-season, with numerous players recording personal bests in fitness and strength, according to Captain Matthew Boyd.

Boyd said the work rate of the playing group has been consistently high as the young team strives to become a more competitive outfit – and their hard work is starting to pay dividends.

“An extra year and more footy into our young guys from last year is fantastic for them,” Boyd said.

“We have a fantastic list of players, a lot of talent, and a list of players who want to work hard and get better.

“I think the coaches would agree that they are a very coachable bunch of players and I am really excited for the prospects of not only this year but years to come.”

In the 2012 Charles Sutton Medal, four of the Bulldogs top ten were in their first or second year of football – with Mitch Wallis and Luke Dahlhaus both finishing in the top five.

Sixteen of the Bulldogs current playing list made their debut in the past two seasons, while another eight are yet to make their mark on the senior stage – totalling more than half of the list.

An extra year in the system, as well as a full summer of fitness and strength work will bode well for the improvement of not just the individual but the team’s output as well.

The pre-season focus was skewed towards kicking efficiency and running early to address the key areas that both players and coaches thought the team were lacking last season.

“We are working hard on our skills which were a bit disappointing last year – so ticking boxes at the moment,” he said.

“We certainly have had a greater emphasis on running [as well] – I think the boys are probably running their best times they have run in terms of six minute runs and our fitness testing so that is fantastic to see."