On game day, Dale Morris’s influence extends much further than his close checking defensive skills, instead fellow defender Lukas Markovic said his presence lifts the output of the entire back six.

Morris’s inclusion after 18 months on the sidelines was immediately felt during the Western Bulldogs NAB Cup campaign, and will greatly benefit the development of the young defensive group this season.

“[Morris is] such an influential player not just for the backline but for the whole club,” Markovic said.

“He’s just such a big presence and voice out on the field and can bring a lot of calm to the group which is needed in those pressure like situations.

“I think a lot of the young boys are like a sponge trying to soak up as much knowledge from Dale.”

Markovic said one of the biggest battles when assuming a key defensive post is maintaining complete, unwavering focus for the full four quarters – and Morris’ leadership and presence on the field is invaluable on game day.

Despite making is AFL debut two years ago, the 26-year-old said this pre-season had also been a learning curve for him individually.

“There’s been a lot to learn, for me personally… it is still learning how to hold a level of concentration for the whole game particularly under fatigue,” he said.

“To stay focused and stay involved in the game at all times – it is such a taxing and quick game these days.

The Box Hill recruit has also made his agility and core and lower body strength a focus this pre-season and is already seeing the pay off on the field.

“It’s been quite a focus for me over the years to work on my speed and agility and lower body strength so that has been a big one for me over the pre-season,” he said.

“We have great conditioning staff who have helped me make those gains.”