Newest Bulldog Caleb Poulter is full of gratitude, after being handed a second chance at AFL level through the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Since being delisted from Collingwood at the end of last year, Poulter has bid his time with Footscray VFL, averaging 17 touches and three tackles from his eight games this season. 

The 20-year-old said he couldn’t be more thankful to the Bulldogs’ recruiting team for giving him another opportunity at AFL level.

“It’s pretty surreal. I obviously got delisted six months ago, so was just trying to put my best foot forward (in the VFL),” Poulter said.

“The Western Bulldogs are obviously a great club with a great atmosphere – I’m sort of lost for words at the moment.

“I’m sure it will sink in in the next couple of days, but at the moment I’m just excited to get stuck in.

“I’m so grateful to Dom (Milesi) and the team, and the rest of the coaching staff for putting their faith in me.

“I’m ready to get started and just can’t wait to put on the (Bulldogs) guernsey again.”

Poulter said his best attributes are probably his running capacity and ball use by foot, while describing what Bulldogs’ fans can expect to see him add to the line-up.

“My run and carry – I mostly play across the wing and half-back, so try to use my legs a lot,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve got somewhat of a nice kick too, so just trying to penetrate and get the metres gained.”

Poulter’s first session with the AFL playing group will be tomorrow morning.