The Western Bulldogs playing list are thriving under the increased demands of this year’s pre-season campaign according to Senior Coach Brendan McCartney.

“What we are focusing on is just training our backsides off so that we can compete for longer in games and developing a list that is highly competitive,” McCartney said.

With a host of new faces and veterans flying fit, McCartney said competition for a spot in the Western Bulldogs team will be hot in 2013.

“You are going to have to do a lot right to get a game every week,” he said. 

McCartney said the new additions to the Club are all “strong, tough people” who will be fighting week in, week out for senior selection with the remaining Bulldogs’ squad.

McCartney was buoyed by the pre-season efforts of a number of veterans who were affected by injuries in previous pre-season campaigns.

“We are very optimistic with a couple of senior players, who’ve had great pre-seasons – a couple have had the best pre-season they have had in three or four years,” he said.

The Dogs pre-season campaign has been ramped up with a running and fitness focus early, with players consulted to help shape the program.

“We have done a bit more running than last year, kept the weights – trying to put some size on our players, we have focused heavily on our kicking."