It’s a season that promised plenty.

And Mitch Wallis admits it’s an odd feeling, as the Western Bulldogs prepare for their season opener against Collingwood on Friday night, amid the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Strange probably encapsulates how we’re feeling,” Wallis said today.

“It’s unchartered territory. 

“We’re being instructed all the time and it’s listening to the authorities – what the coaches, the medical staff are telling us in terms of parameters on what we can and are advised not to do. 

“But also with all of that in the background, still focusing on the job of preparing for Round 1… we’ve still got a job to do, and we’re excited about that prospect.” 

MESSAGE TO THE FANS: COVID-19 VIRUS 

For Wallis, it’s been a long journey back. 

His first season in the Bulldogs’ leadership group was derailed by a leg injury – he featured in the first 10 games of the AFL season, but not in the memorable run towards finals football after the bye.

And after a long pre-season, he’s excited about the prospect of potentially pulling on the red, white and blue again. 

Expectation has followed the Bulldogs throughout the pre-season, but what promised to be a blockbuster season opener against the powerful Pies is now set to be played behind closed doors.

“It’s flattening. I’m not going to paint a pretty picture – when you can’t play in front of your crowd (it’s disappointing), it was probably going to be 50,000-plus on a Friday night, round one,” Wallis said. 

“Hopefully all our Bulldogs fans and members will watch it on TV or get to a TV so they can cheer us on from home. 

“It will be different, but I still think we’ll play with the same intensity and ruthlessness of wanting to win.”