Newly-named Western Bulldogs vice-captain Mitch Wallis says he is relishing the opportunity to work closer with skipper Marcus Bontempelli this season.

While he knows he won’t need to change anything about the way he leads or goes about his game, the 28-year-old said he’s looking forward to supporting ontempelli in a more formal sense.

“It’s not about being someone different, it’s about continuously supporting the boys and supporting Marcus at the helm,” Wallis told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“I’m very excited about the prospect of being vice-captain, but the hard work is ahead - we’ve got so much optimism about what we can achieve this year.

“It’s about (putting) the right foot forward from the first pre-season game coming up, and then from round one onwards.”

Having been at the Kennel for over 10 years now, Wallis is one of five father-sons currently on the Bulldogs list, with father Steve playing 14 seasons in the red, white and blue.

Wallis, who had previously been part of the Bulldogs leadership group, acknowledged his elevation to vice-captaincy as “another chapter” in his family’s long-standing history at the Club.

The Western Bulldogs will host Hawthorn next Wednesday in an unofficial practice match, before facing Melbourne at Marvel Stadium in the AFL AAMI Community Series on the Labour Day public holiday.

“We had a match simulation (on Thursday) and there was a really good effort from both sides - I think we’re chomping at the (want) to play opposition because it gets to that time in the pre-season where you’re sick of fighting your own teammates,” Wallis said.

“We’ll get a little hit-out against Hawthorn next week and progress from there, but we’re in a really good space injury-wise - our ball movement and defence has come along as well.

“We’re looking forward to challenging some opposition and taking it from there.”