Midfielder Jack Macrae entered his second pre-season at the Club both physically and mentally more mature but says his stronger base has not made the training any less demanding.

“I don’t think it gets any easier, pre-season, it’s just your body is a bit more mature and you kind of know what to expect for training standards,” Macrae said.

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The 19-year-old has steadily built up his fitness, strength and size since the Bulldogs took him at pick six in the 2012 AFL Draft.

The result has seen his slight frame evolve into one that can handle the bigger bodies in the AFL.

Macrae’s 13 games experience was also the most of any Bulldogs’ debutant last season but Macrae is not resting on his laurels ahead of season 2014.

“My expectations and goals for this year is just to improve on some of the flaws I’ve got in my game and keep getting better as a team as well,” he said.

Macrae’s dash and evasive sidestep complemented the tough, grunt work of his fellow midfielders in 2013 and that looks to continue in his second year.

Macrae said the young talent at the kennel had improved over the pre-season, led by Tom Liberatore, and will continue to share the load in the upcoming home and away season.

“All the young boys are travelling really well,” he said.

“Hopefully we all get a run in the NAB Challenge coming up and [in the] season.”