67 days since the final siren sounded on season 2013, the first group of Western Bulldogs players have returned to Victoria University Whitten Oval to commence pre-season training.

While a group of 12 predominantly key position players have travelled to Denver, Colorado for an altitude training camp, 15 first to fourth year players hit the track at the Club’s West Footscray home.

Under the watchful eye of new High Performance Manager Justin Cordy, the returning group were put through their paces in a light skills and running session on Thursday morning.

Cordy was appointed in late September, previously holding the role of High Performance Manager at the Carlton Football Club for the past six years.

Sutton Medal runner-up Tom Liberatore, Luke Dahlhaus and 2012 first round draft picks Jack Macrae and Nathan Hrovat were amongst the group that hit the track on Thursday.

The remaining members of the Bulldogs’ playing list, including Sutton Medallist Ryan Griffen and captain Matthew Boyd will return to pre-season training on Monday 18 November.