The AFLX tournament and the JLT Community Series just around the corner, the Western Bulldogs ‘couldn’t be happier’ with how the players are performing on the track over the summer according to Dogs’ assistant coach Ashely Hansen.

The Dogs finished 10^th with 11 wins and 11 losses last season but have returned from the Christmas break ready to work as they gear up for February’s preseason competition.

Click here for the 2018 JLT Community Series fixture

“The way the players have presented themselves and the way that they’re training at the moment, we couldn’t be happier, Hansen told AFL.com.au this week.

“We’re expecting a response because they’re all really proud footballers,  highly competitive and they want to turn it around as much as anyone.”

While fourth year players like Bailey Dale and Toby McLean have impressed, Hansen also highlighted the performances of midfield tandem Tom Liberatore and Luke Dahlhaus.

“Our younger guys, that middle bracket, so Bailey Dale, Toby McLean and Caleb Daniel are really starting to take their training to a new level, it’s been really exciting,” he said.

“I’ve been really happy with Luke Dahlhaus [and] Tom Liberatore; they’re in really good shape and doing all the sessions.”

Liberatore in particular, looking strong and confident on the track, has caught the eye of forwards coach, Hansen.  

“[Tom’s] been fantastic, he’s been working really hard. 

“We’ve been able to see what he’s capable of on a consistent basis, week to week, so that’s really exciting because it is an important time of the year and certainly Tom has put in the work so far to set himself up for a strong 2018.”

The Dogs head to Queensland next week for an annual training camp.