The recent bye has revitalized the Bulldogs ahead of their final five games of the season and Assistant Coach Steven King says those energy levels were seen out on the track this week.  

“They have come back really well, they were keen to get back into training on Tuesday,” King said.

“Just on the back of the last month that we’ve had they have really just reenergised themselves to attack the last five games of the year in a real positive manner.”

The run home begins with second placed Hawthorn this weekend in Launceston before four consecutive games at Etihad Stadium to finish the season.

King said the game against the Hawks on Sunday will act as a measuring stick of the Bulldogs progress this season, testing themselves against last year’s reigning premiers.

“For us it’s going to [allow us to] see where we are at, it’s just a great opportunity,” he said.

“We’ve probably played some exciting footy in the last four or five weeks but against the best teams you get a true indication of where we are at.

“It’s just a great opportunity for some of our young players to play on a really good player and just a quality team.”

While Hawthorn have been in the top echelon of teams in recent years, King said it was important that the Bulldogs did not enter the game with defeat on their minds.

“You don’t want to put in young players minds about being beaten by a name or reputation – so you look at what they can do but also you’ve got to back in what they do well at a club,” he said.

“As a young group we have to focus on what we do well and make sure we play the way we want to play.

“Yes we will put time into the right players but you can’t let it dictate your whole preparation either.”