Yesterday marked the final stamp on a positive pre-season for the Western Bulldogs, as players and staff turn their attention to practice matches in the coming weeks.

The Club will face Essendon on Wednesday at the Hangar and All-Australian defender Bailey Dale believes the Dogs are primed to hit the ground running.

“It is really exciting to start getting into games again,” Dale said. “Pre-season can always be a bit of a grind, it is good to be towards the end of it and starting to face some real opponents.”

The Dogs put a full stop on their pre-season campaign with a full intraclub fixture, seeing a number of players shine a month out from Round 1.

“It was pretty quick, everyone was moving the ball pretty well,” he explained.

“There was a lot of pressure coming from the midfield, so it was a nice little tune up before the Bombers next week.

“Defensively, we are just tying up loose ends and getting ready for the season proper.”

Stifling heat has been the tale of the summer, with players subject to some tough conditions during training sessions.

“We missed out on Mooloolaba this year but we have got the hot conditions here in Melbourne recently, it’s been tough,” he said.

“It makes us work that little bit harder and hopefully sets us up for a good start to the year.”

While Dale played a prominent role within the match, the star defender gave an insight into the positive performance in the match.

“Bonty starred in the middle, he stepped up,” Dale said.

“I though Stef Martin was really good in the ruck as well. Ed Richards played well off the half-back, particularly with his drive and run as well.”

“Cody Raak and Dom Bedendo kicked a few goals over the game, it was good for them to get their hands on the ball early.”

The Bulldogs and Bombers clash next Wednesday at the Hangar starting at 3.00pm. The fixture will be live on Kayo.