Competition is not limited to winning a two kilometre time trial at the kennel anymore, with total high intensity metres or total distance the new measure of work-rate.

Advancements in technology and GPS tracking has fuelled a new level of competitiveness among the Western Bulldogs playing group this year.

“They are competitive guys so they always want to know who is beating who and now when we put the results up on the high performance wall we mark highs and lows,” Assistant Sport Scientist Dean Richie said.

“It is always like a bit of a thing to be the total distance getter or the total high intensity metres getter.

“Especially midway through last year guys were really interested in their game output and… work rate intensity.”

Richie said the use of GPS tracking systems during training sessions and on game day has a number of purposes.

The in-depth tracking system also ensures every player is reaching distance and workrate benchmarks in every training drill and can be used to alter sessions on the fly.

“We use the GPS for tracking general training load, so distance, metres in minute, high speed metres and all that sort of thing,” he said.

“Going into a session we have a set distance or there-abouts what they want them to do, so I am in direct contact with the high performance manager giving him feedback on where they are at.

“It is a good secondary tool for him rather than just going off eye to actually pick out from their physical output how guys are going and ramp guys up if they need it or pull guys out.”