Western Bulldogs forward Daniel Giansiracusa says he would be happy to play as a regular substitute this season after making the surprise decision to extend his career into a 14th year.

Giansiracusa, who will turn 32 before the start of the season, was a regular in the green and red vests in 2013 but still managed to lead the Bulldogs' forward line with 36 goals.  

The 250-game veteran said he would welcome a regular role as the substitute again if that was where coach Brendon McCartney saw him fitting into the team. 

"I'm sure I'll play it again at times … I actually enjoyed it as an older guy," he said on Wednesday. 

"When you come on and everyone else is cooked and you feel fresh, it actually made me look quick at times I think.

"Whatever Macca wants I'm happy to do."

Giansiracusa was expected to retire at the end of the 2013 season and join the Bulldogs' coaching team, but he eventually signed a one-year deal in late August.

He said there were times through the season when he thought his playing days were coming to an end.

"It came to fruition late in the season with conversations with Macca and I've just taken it for what it is," he said. 

"There's tough times in footy, but it's the best job in the world and I get to run out here with my teammates.

"I'm just really looking forward to being a part of it again."

The Bulldogs completed a solid skills session at the Whitten Oval on Wednesday morning and Giansiracusa said the pre-season bar had been set high by new high performance manager Justin Cordy.

Young forward Jarrad Grant has been sidelined for three months with a fractured foot, while Shaun Higgins (foot), Clay Smith (knee) and Christian Howard (hip) are completing rehabilitation.

Otherwise, the Bulldogs have a fit list leading into their opening NAB Challenge match against St Kilda on February 19.  

In the forward line, Giansiracusa said former Essendon goalkicker Stewart Crameri was shaping as a valuable recruit who could help improve players around him.

"Stewy's got a huge tank and those younger guys are still developing there," he said. 

"As long as we can jell as a forward line I think we'll kick winning scores.

"We haven't really set any expectations in terms of wins, but we're driving each other and the coaches are driving us to get better."