Replacing the oval and gym for mountain hikes and altitude training, the Western Bulldogs pre-season camp in Denver, Colorado provided a point of difference to begin the summer campaign.

A small group of predominantly key position players were met with a range of challenges and hurdles on the altitude camp but overall relished the change of scenery and pace, Physical Conditioning coordinator Nick Stone said.

“The guys did a lot of hard work over there, it definitely had its challenges, but all in all I think they enjoyed it,” Stone said.

“We had training most days, obviously they still had their weights and skills that we do back here – we did them over there in altitude in Denver.

“The different stuff is we had three or four hikes in there for them as well as boxing and just training at different locations - that was the big thing, just getting somewhere different at altitude and working there.”

The change in altitude proved the biggest adjustment but after the first few days the Bulldogs began to feel more comfortable.

“From day one it was apparent, for sure, the guys even just walking around they could feel it,” he said.

“The first few days it took them awhile to settle in to the altitude, it sort of affects your sleep and your hydration and all that sort of stuff.

“So once they got over that little hump in the first few days they started to come good and feel good.”

The training camp also allowed the group an opportunity to explore the inner sanctum of multiple American sporting facilities, looking to implement best practice back at Victoria University Whitten Oval on return.

The group have now re-joined the Bulldogs main playing group to continue in the pre-season campaign and draw on the benefits of their time abroad.