This week, the Western Bulldogs embarked on their annual pre-season camp.

Based in Portsea, the camp centred around connection and team-building activities, mixed with typical training drills and gym sessions.

Check out some of the highlights from each day below.

SUNDAY

Upon arrival in Portsea (Boon Wurrung Country), the Bulldogs’ playing group, staff and coaches participated in a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by N’arwee’t Carolyn Briggs and Ngarra Kulin Williams.

That night the players were involved in a team cooking challenge, with butterfly chicken, chilli sesame salmon, honey soy stir-fry, and prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast served up with impressive plating skills.

MONDAY

It was straight to work the next morning – with the players put through their paces in a training session at Rye Football Club.

There was lots of running – nearly 14km according to Josh Bruce – and plenty to marvel at as some loyal Mornington Peninsula fans watched on.

The players then enjoyed a bit of snorkelling to round out the day, with a few even showing off their backflipping skills while jumping off the pier. 

TUESDAY

The theme of Tuesday was further team-building activities – with players taking part in swimming, kayaking and rock-climbing challenges, while also braving the height of the giant swing.

Tasked with needing to mark a footy while swinging from approximately 18 metres high, Caleb Daniel took three grabs in a row, while Robbie McComb claimed a one-hander.

WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday morning it was back to Rye Football Club for another training session.

The playing group took part in some skills drills, before returning to camp for lunch and gym.

THURSDAY

A final team challenge took up most of Thursday morning.

The playing group will now take a long weekend, and return to VU Whitten Oval and Skinner Reserve next week.