The Western Bulldogs veterans may still be on holidays but that does not mean there is a lack of on-field leadership at the kennel , Nathan Hrovat says.

Now in their second week of formal pre-season training, the first to fourth year players are keeping each other accountable on the track and in the gym.

“I think it’s good that the boys have come back a bit earlier, there’s only a small group [and] we are all pretty close and tight knit, so we all push each other,” Hrovat said.

“A lot of the boys are taking up that leadership role, obviously Mitch [Wallis] and Koby [Stevens] have sort of got that natural leadership ability.

“But I guess it sort of pushes boys like Greeny (Alex Greenwood) and Jack Macrae - who are probably a bit quieter - to talk up in the smaller groups.”

As Hrovat prepares for his first full pre-season on an AFL list, training well and avoiding injury is high on his priorities.

“Getting through injury free is a big one, just maintaining and increasing fitness and skills without putting the stress on my body,” he said.

“Probably just completing the full pre-season and getting cherry ripe for the start of the year.”