Medical Services Manager Andrew McKenzie says the Western Bulldogs have returned from the Christmas break in good health as the countdown to season 2014 continues.

Aside from the trio of players with pre-existing long term injuries diligently working through their rehabilitation programs, the Bulldogs will have nearly a full list to draw upon as the NAB Challenge approaches.

“Generally everyone has come back really well, there are still a few long term rehabbers that are still doing their rehab but they are coming along quite nicely,” McKenzie said.

Christian Howard is making progress in his return from hip surgery earlier in the pre-season and is beginning to incorporate more running into his conditioning.

“He was doing some running over the Christmas break, he’s built into some speed work and he’s coming along really well,” McKenzie said.

The recovery of Clay Smith from his ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament is also progressing to schedule.

“He's been doing some agility and building into some one on one kicking drills,” McKenzie said.

The final player rehabilitating a long term injury from 2013 is Shaun Higgins, whose approach to coming back from a foot injury in round three last season has been meticulous.

“Higgins is tracking really well, he is moving into some one on one skills, he has been doing some volume for quite a while and he is coping really well,” McKenzie said.