Midfield battles are often where a football game is won or lost and Assistant Coach Steven King has been a central figure in the Bulldogs’ midfield recent resurgence.

While King wants to further strengthen his line, the former Geelong Captain said his job is made easier with the talent at his disposal.

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“[I have been] taking charge of all stoppage structures and obviously work with the big boys and the ruckman as well,” King said.

“I am lucky enough to work with a really talented bunch of young men and it is one area of the field the Club has invested very heavily in.”

Last season the Bulldogs midfield boasted the league’s top clearance winner Tom Liberatore, the leading tap ruckman Will Minson and All Australian Ryan Griffen.

With a cohort of young and emerging midfielders coming through the ranks, the expectation is that the core group will continue to build on last year’s progress in 2014.

The blend of young talent and established veterans further drives the competitiveness of the group, as the older players usher in the next generation.

“It’s something every day you rock up to work and obviously you have Mitch Wallis, Libba, Clay Smith, Koby Stevens,” he said.

“But you also have that old hand of Minson, [Matthew] Boydy, [Ryan] Griffen and [Adam Cooney] and that group that have been there in prelims."

An influx of new midfield recruits has also enhanced the Bulldogs depth over the past 12 months and puts the Club in a strong position for the home and away season.