Key forward Josh Bruce has returned to pre-season with an added point to prove in 2021.

The 28-year-old will enter his second year as a Bulldog noticeable lighter than his first, after a big off-season training push.

Bruce kicked 14 goals from his 17 games last year after arriving at the Kennel from St Kilda, who ultimately ended the Bulldogs’ 2020 campaign in an elimination final.

“At the end of last year, it probably came to a point where I felt like I wasn’t really at my best fitness-wise and wanted to change something up,” he told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“I’ve dropped a few kilos… six or seven kilos, which helps during pre-season in the long summer days.

“I’m running a lot better than I was last year and feeling really fit.

“I’m feeling a lot lighter on the ground, I feel like I’m jumping better and just generally feeling like I’ve got more energy.”

As the senior key forward on the list, Bruce is also looking to work with the younger Bulldogs coming through in Aaron Naughton (21 years old), Josh Schache (23) and number one draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (18).

“The physique was one thing I’ve focused on, but also my skills and honing the leadership side of my game in the forward line,” Bruce said.

“With Jamarra coming in, I’m really looking forward to working with him, Josh Schache and obviously ‘Naughts’ who I built a good rapport with last year.

“I’m looking forward to developing the forward line and us as a group.”