Western Bulldogs recruit Mitch Hannan has his sight firmly set on season 2021.

The 26-year-old Footscray VFL premiership player returned to the Kennel via a trade with Melbourne, and has been training alongside his first-to-fourth year teammates leading into the Christmas break.

And while the later pre-season start is something he’s still getting used to, he said he couldn’t be happier to be back at the Club. 

“We’re normally used to being back mid-November, so it’s a quicker pre-season,” Hannan told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“Guys are going to have to get used to getting the most out of their pre-season sessions, and getting their fitness up outside of the club over the Christmas break because before we know it, we’ll be rolling around into some games again.

“We’ve only had a (two-week) training block before we have the Christmas break, so it’s (been) a good opportunity even for some guys who aren’t expected to be here until January to come back, get some running in the legs, and get back in the swing of things to set the season on the right foot.

“I’ve been coming back for a couple of weeks – it’s good to be back here at Whitten Oval and meet some of the new faces as well. I’m very happy to be here.” 

Hannan also expects his on-field role for next season to be similar to his at the Dees.

“Luke (Beveridge) wants me to play in that half-forward role and try to help find an avenue to goal, and add some speed and pressure – (and also) if there’s space to move up onto the wing depending on how the game is going,” the 189cm forward said.

“Being that mid-height, I can sort of pride myself on being a small crumbing forward at times, but also a marking target.

“The flexibility to be able to play half-forward or a little bit deeper or up on the wing helps my case.”

The Bulldogs will return to pre-season training on Wednesday, January 6 2021.