Bailey Dale is taking nothing for granted as he prepares for his fourth season of AFL football in 2018.

Dale established himself as a regular member of the senior side during the second half of last season, playing 16 games after just four in 2016.

The wingman’s four-goal haul against Port Adelaide in round 22 showed the football world what he is capable of, but Dale says his spot in the Bulldogs’ 22 for their opening round match against GWS on March 25 is far from assured.

“I’ll really look to cement my spot this year in the 22,” Dale told westernbulldogs.com.au at the club’s Sunshine Coast training camp.

“Obviously there’s a bit of pre-season to go and JLT games to go (but) I’ll try to put my best foot forward and try to cement my spot.”

Since being drafted in 2014, the 21-year-old expects that the lessons he has learned in his 30 senior games will hold him in good stead. 

“I’d like to play as much on the wing as possible,” said Dale.

“I’ll really try to build my tank and get forward and kick a few goals as well.”

Dale said the trip to the Sunshine Coast for the Bulldogs’ training camp has provided a new opportunity for the playing group to build and maintain bonds.

“For the morale of the group it’s been good.

“We all get around each other and encourage each other to keep going. We’re all feeling the same pain.

“There are a lot of chances to bond as a team and I think a lot of the boys are doing that.”