Matthew Suckling says that while he was disappointed to have missed last year’s grand final, it’s not what’s driving him in his preparation for the beginning of the 2017 premiership season.

Suckling played in September wins over West Coast and Hawthorn before succumbing to an achilles injury, but the 28-year-old said that missing out on last year’s decider won’t make him any more determined to do what he can to help the team win.

“Not really - every preseason you want that, so seeing the boys do it last year doesn’t make me any more hungry, he told gathered media from the Sunshine Coast where the Dogs are in the midst of a preseason camp.

“That’s why you play footy, and that’s why you keep turning up and working hard each day.”

The Dogs have been on the Coast almost a week and Suckling said that the Queensland heat has tested the players.

“It’s certainly a lot harder and the sessions have been really hard but the boys love getting up here – a few boys like getting a tan so they’re very happy with that.”

Suckling himself said he feels good and that the whole group is looking forward to the Club’s first JLT Community Series hit out on February 18 against Melbourne under lights at Victoria University Whitten Oval.

“They’re always good (the preseason games) – it’ll be good to get out there and have a hit around and get primed for round one.”

The Bulldogs begin their premiership defence against Collingwood on Friday, March 24 at the MCG.