Josh Schache has his eyes set firmly on 2019.

Not only will the 199cm forward enter his fourth season, but he also has plans to transform himself into a power forward to be feared by opposition defenders.

Having notched 40 games and weighing in at 100kg, he’ll compete in the same division as seasoned forwards including Tom Lynch, Jesse Hogan and Tom Hawkins.

“Hopefully I’ll be big enough soon to crash packs – that’s the aim,” Schache told The Seymour Telegraph.

“I’ve spent three years in the system, so it’s getting to the stage where that’s expected of me.”

Schache travelled to America for a short break with housemate Brad Lynch in September, before getting stuck into a demanding training schedule that involves hitting the local pool in his hometown of Seymour four times a week, along with gym and running work.

He booted 17 goals in 13 games this season, a clear improvement on his tally of nine goals from 10 games in 2017, and he has high hopes for next year.

“I’m still only 21 and it takes a few years, but like everyone else I just want it now,” Schache said.

“I want to speed up that process to play my role and influence games as soon as possible.

“Respect takes a while to earn, but this pre-season is a good chance for me to show I’ve done good work over the off-season.”

Schache acknowledges the support of the Bulldogs’ forwards coach Ash Hansen, and senior coach Luke Beveridge, in helping him to develop his craft. 

“These days some forwards nearly run the most on the ground, and Luke has been really big on the fact that it doesn’t matter where you’re playing, if they need you down at full back, you've got to slide down and help out the defence,” he said.

“So you’re pretty much playing all over the field.”

Schache said the desire within the young Bulldogs group remains strong, with hopes of bigger things stirring.

“I’ve made some good friends, so I’m just excited for what next year brings,” he said.

“Playing for the Dogs still feels really special.”

The Bulldogs’ 1-4 year players will return to VU Whitten Oval for the start of pre-season training on Monday, November 5.