It’s business as usual for Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter heading into 2019.
The 24-year-old, coming off a Club best-and-fairest in 2018 and having missed just one match in the past three years, is fit and firing with his sights set on another strong season.
“Individually, I’m tracking along nicely,” Hunter told westernbuldogs.com.au from the club’s pre-season camp in Mooloolaba.
“No injuries, which is pretty much all you’re after at this time of year, and slowly building towards JLT where we start to ramp it up and get ready for Round 1.”
The heat and humidity of the Sunshine Coast camp has been a regular feature of the Dogs’ – and Hunter’s – pre-season in recent years.
He still sees the benefits in heading north for the conditions, particularly as match simulation increases as part of the pre-season program.
“You definitely notice it, it is a lot harder to run out the match simulation,” Hunter said.
“A lot of the boys were getting found out towards the end. It does get pretty tough, but obviously it builds a really good fitness base for when we get back (to Melbourne)
“We’ve been slowly building the minutes we get in.
“We did about three 20-minute quarters… so we’re getting towards that full game simulation which is important heading into JLT.”
While the Bulldogs have a young playing list, Hunter said it had been a positive through the off-season.
As one of the group’s leaders, he said it was pleasing to see young players helping to drive the group, particularly after missing the finals in 2018.
“There’s a lot of youth,” Hunter said.
“It’s really good, especially on camps like these where towards the end of it can get pretty tiring, but the young boys have definitely brought that enthusiasm and that energy.
“That’s the beauty of having young blokes as well, they always a have a positive outlook no matter what’s gone on (the previous year).
“Definitely the vibe’s good, everyone’s looking forward to JLT and especially those young boys, they’re just chomping at the bit and can’t wait to get there.”
