Western Bulldogs draftee Arthur Jones was pinching himself on day one of the 2022 pre-season.

Making the trip over from Western Australia this month, after being drafted in November last year, the 18-year-old said it’s been great to finally join in pre-season training at the Kennel.

“I’m stoked – I finally got over here after three months. I’ve been dying to get over here and now that I’m here it’s a dream come true,” Jones told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“I’m living every man’s dream – finally being here is just amazing.

“After the draft Bont called me, and I was like ‘Oh my God...is this really the Bont?’ - I was just stoked. I finally met him this morning, and that was ‘Oh my God’ again.

“I had a great session today. It hurt me a bit but I loved it. It’s a good start.”

Jones said while he’s looking forward to getting to know his fellow teammates better in the coming weeks, he’s been particularly grateful for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s guidance early on.

“Jamarra (has taken me under his wing) – obviously being an Indigenous boy in the team, we try and stick together as close as we can,” Jones said.

“Seeing the way he (dealt with) being the number one draft pick from last year, and seeing all the routines that he does now that I’m living with him makes me want to step up my game.

“Having him there is holding me to a higher standard, which feels great.”

Bulldogs’ players and support staff returned to the Club on Thursday morning with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, conducted by Aunty Di Kerr, N'arweet Aunty Carolyn Briggs and Dave Tournier.