A glowing Jack Macrae returned from the Sunshine Coast feeling the benefits of the Club’s intensive nine day pre-season camp.

The Bulldogs group touched down in Melbourne on Friday afternoon after what Macrae described as a tough, but valuable training block.

“It was really beneficial, on field and off field as well.

“(We) got a great bunch of training in but also with a lot of new blokes and faces around the Club, it’s good to see them out of the normal routine and get to know them a lot better.”

Although enjoying several team-bonding exercises – branching out of the normal football routine to activities including surf lifesaving, sailing and orienteering – Macrae said the ultimate goal of the camp was to fine tune the game plan before the first NAB Challenge match against Richmond, at the end of this month.

“Obviously games are coming up really quick so it was a good chance to get away and really go through some game plans… one-on-ones with coaches and obviously get in a good bunch of training.”

With the Club’s NAB Challenge campaign just over three weeks away, Macrae said the playing group are counting the days until the seasons begins.

“There’s always a great deal of excitement (at this time of year).

“Everyone’s pretty excited now that games are coming around, there’s just a great feel around the Club at the moment.