With many predicting the Western Bulldogs are on the verge of a successful period, young key defender Zaine Cordy feels blessed to be involved.

When Cordy arrived 12 months ago as a father-son recruit, little was expected of the Bulldogs' young and inexperienced list.

A year later the Dogs are 2015 finalists and one of the most exciting teams in the AFL, with confidence that Luke Beveridge's young side will be an even tougher proposition in 2016.

"I was having a chat to one of the boys just the other day saying everything is coming together," Cordy told AFL.com.au.

"All the young blokes are blending in with the older guys and it's just like clockwork.

Cordy's timing is also impeccable in a playing sense, with the versatile defender being groomed to take over from veteran defender Dale Morris.

Two senior games late last season showed the Geelong Falcons product has the talent to assume the role, with his strong intercept marking and attack on the ball.

"At the moment the coaches see me as a third tall like Dale Morris, who can play tall and small," he said.

"I try to be one of those lock-down defenders, but also develop my offensive game by giving a bit of run like Bob Murphy and Jason Johannisen.”

The Cordy name has been associated with the Dogs since his father Brian, and uncles Neil and Graeme represented the club during the 1970s and '80s.

However, Zaine will be the only Cordy on the Dogs' list following older brother Ayce's depature at the end of last season.

And a sibling rivalry looms on the horizon, with the spirited brothers a chance to lock horns after Ayce recently signed with standalone VFL side Williamstown.

"It's a little bit disappointing Ayce left, but I got to play a few games in the VFL with him and I really enjoyed that," Cordy said.
"There's been a bit of talk about us playing on each other around the club.and I can guarantee it will get a bit feisty because we're both really competitive."
However 19-year-old is optimistic that scenario won't eventuate, with Cordyhoping his form warrants a spot in the senior side.
"I think anything is possible, because the way Luke coaches if you're playing well with Footscray you're a chance to play seniors, and that's a great position to be in at the club," Cordy said.

"I really enjoyed my time in the seniors last season because it was great experience, and hopefully I can get a few more games this year."