Fletcher Roberts is determined to cement his spot in the Bulldogs’ 22.

The 24-year-old defender played 10 games in 2017, two of those after round 8, after playing a career-high 18 games the season before.

“I think when I’m playing at my best I can be in the side and contribute to the side,” Roberts told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“Hopefully I can do that more often this season.  I’ve been training pretty much flat out. I haven’t missed many sessions.

“I’m really finding that continuity and I’m really happy with how I’ve been going.”

Roberts said the dedication and work rate of veteran Dale Morris on and off the field had been inspiring for the Dogs' young backline.

“We’re obviously a little bit younger so it’s on a lot of us to really stand up,” he said.

“Moz (Dale Morris) is obviously the stalwart down there and he’s been great.

“He’s really encouraging a lot of us younger guys to come out of ourselves and direct and lead as much as we can.”