Lachie Hunter is determined to win back a place in the Western Bulldogs leadership group – but only when he’s earned enough trust to be voted back in.

Hunter made his return to the field last weekend at Metricon Stadium, almost four months after his last appearance for the Dogs, in Round 1 of the 2020 season in March.

An incident during the first Melbourne coronavirus lockdown period led to a four-game suspension, and plenty of soul-searching for the 25-year-old.

Among the fallout was Hunter’s own decision to relinquish his position as vice-captain.

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Lachie Hunter | 'It hurt a lot'

Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter speaks to Bulldogs Media about how he dealt with the days, weeks and months after an incident which saw him suspended for four games, culminating in his return to the field for the Bulldogs last weekend.

“It hurt a lot, and it still does,” he told Bulldogs Media.

“Even running out on the weekend, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about it once or twice as I was running out.

“Definitely there’s aspirations to get back in that leadership group.  That can only come over time.

“It’s going to take a fair bit of time to build back that trust, from the coaches, the players, the board, the fans, from everyone.

“Whether that’s next year, whether that’s in a few years.  It might not ever come.  That’s fine as well, but I’ll be doing everything I can to get there.”

During his suspension period, Hunter’s immediate football focus was to get as fit as he could, to make sure he was ready to play when the time came.  He partnered up with Easton Wood for isolation training sessions.

As the Bulldogs returned for group training, Hunter spent time mentoring the younger members of the squad.

When the time finally came to pull on the red, white and blue guernsey again though, there was an unusual feeling.

“It was a long time coming.  Four weeks turned into a few months,” he said.

“It kind of felt like I was back to my first game again.  There was a little bit of nerves pre-game.  You wonder if you can still do it, if you can still play.”

Hunter, along with a few Bulldogs team-mates and friends, are taking part in Dry July, where participants practice sobriety to traditionally raise funds for cancer.

Given his recent circumstances, Hunter aims to raise money for the Alfred Hospital’s Road Accident Trauma Program.  To donate, click here.