Capitalising on his first AFL pre-season is high on draftee Mitch Honeychurch’s list of priorities now he is officially a Western Bulldog.

Already setting goals and targets in his own mind, the small midfielder is eager to join his new teammates on the training track.

“[I want] to create a pretty big fitness base, that is probably the main aim and bulking up the body up a bit,” Honeychurch said.

“I’m only a small fella so I sort of need all the help I can get.

“I am just looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season and footy is life now, footy is a job.”

Honeychurch said the Bulldogs did not miss a beat in welcoming him to the Kennel last Thursday when his name was called out with pick 60 in the NAB AFL Draft.

“Macca and everyone has been so supportive, on draft night I got texts and calls from all the coaching staff,” he said.

“On [Sunday] I had the whole meeting with the family, mum and dad are ecstatic and so am I.”

Even 12 months ago Honeychurch was not convinced that he would land on an AFL list, but being named Vic Metro's MVP at the national championships, gaining under 18 All Australian selection, and playing a key role in the Eastern Ranges' TAC Cup premiership all helped build his confidence in finding an AFL future.  

Now that the opportunity is in front of him, Honeychurch refuses to take anything for granted and indicating he is willing to put in the work required.

“It was always a thought that I wanted to play AFL footy but never really thought that I was good enough, to be honest,” he said.

“Until this year came around and I started playing Eastern Ranges.

“I am just ecstatic to get an opportunity, put my best foot forward and put everything in my stride.”