Western Bulldogs key forward Josh Bruce says his new off-field role within the AFLW program has been refreshing.

Approximately nine weeks into his ACL rehabilitation, Bruce said it was perfect timing for him to pursue his passion for coaching.

“It’s very exciting – obviously when I did my ACL, I was thinking about things that I could do, and coaching has been a passion of mine,” Bruce told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“It’s something I’ve been trying to get involved in for a couple of years now but haven’t really found the time.

“Being injured over the summer period is going to work out really well – it’s really refreshing and I’m really enjoying it.”

The 29-year-old was announced as a development coach last week, alongside the recently appointed Kirby Bentley.

Bruce said he hopes he’ll be able to provide some valuable insights to the group, and in particular the forwards.

“I’m just trying to work with a lot of the key forwards and a lot of the forwards in general on the contest stuff,” he said.

“Contested marking, some pattern stuff and also some goal-kicking things as well.

“I’m just (sharing) little things that I’ve picked up over my 10 years of footy so far, that could be a little gem for Bonnie, or for Izzy or some of the girls playing up forward. That’s my main focus.”

The AFLW Bulldogs officially returned to pre-season training last week, as they prepare for the season proper to commence in early January.