Hayden Crozier believes a near perfect pre-season has him primed to reach new heights in 2019.
The rebounding defender says an increased workload has him – and the team – full of confidence entering this season, as preparations ramp up with the Bulldogs’ first 2019 JLT Community Series match against Gold Coast at Mackay on Sunday.
“It’s been a long pre-season and it’s been a really gruelling pre-season,” Crozier told media at VU Whitten Oval.
“I think the boys are in really good nick at the moment. We’re running more kilometres at training than we ever have and the intensity is at an all-time high for us, so we’re really looking forward to playing Gold Coast this week and having a good hit-out.
“I thought I finished the (last) year off quite well and I’m hoping to springboard that into this year.
NO SECOND YEAR BLUES FOR ED RICHARDS
“I went away with Bonti and Dunks in the off-season and we had basically a mini pre-season camp in America, and I’ve come back in the best shape I ever have.
“I’m definitely confident in my body and the way I’ve been training, I feel like I’ve been doing pretty well. Hopefully that can build throughout the JLT and into the season.”
The 25-year-old is entering his second season in red, white and blue after crossing from Fremantle, and growing in confidence in his own game.
“The coaches give us the opportunity to really back ourselves in,” Crozier said.
“That’s what I noticed as soon as I got to the club, the coaches are really backing you in and want you to play on natural instinct.”
The early-season absence of fellow half-back Jason Johannisen is set to see Crozier become an even more important player for the Bulldogs.
JOHANNISEN, WEBB SET FOR EARLY SEASON RETURNS
Regardless of personnel, he believes competition for spots across all lines will ensure the Dogs continue to play an aggressive brand of football.
“There will be a couple of guys that won’t be there Round 1, and that’s obviously going to open up some spots for some other boys,” he said.
“Everyone’s fighting as hard as they can in training to put their hand up and give themselves the best opportunity. We’ve seen how we’ve played in intra-club games so far, that a lot of guys can play different positions and do well at that.
“In terms of the way we’re going to play, we’re still going to attack the game and we’re still going to back ourselves in.
“Defence leads to offence.
“Defence is obviously the most important part for us, but we feel like some of the players we’ve got in our team especially through the back half and the midfield, are really good decision makers and guys that like to take the game on.”
