Such has been the dramatic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, today’s return to full contact AFL training almost felt like a novelty. 

It was a sight for sore eyes to see Western Bulldogs players participate in a full session together which included all the hits, tackles and intense pressure we’ve become accustomed to.

In reality, Dogs fans haven’t seen such images since mid-March, when football matches were abandoned and replaced by a two-month period of self-isolation.

For the players, today was about maximising one of only a handful of contact sessions they’ll be able to tick off before the season returns in less than three weeks.

And there was plenty of enthusiasm on VU Whitten Oval, on a perfect winter eve morning.

 “It was nice to have everyone together,” experienced Bulldog Matt Suckling said after the session.

“It was a good session.  It was nearly two hours.  Last week was a bit shorter, but more intense.  Today we got to extend it out with a lot more numbers.

PHOTO GALLERY | View more action photos from the players' first full contact training session.

“It was a taxing session.  There was a lot of running, and some combative handball games, getting used to hitting bodies again.

“I’m sure later in the week it’ll ramp up even further.”