Pre-season so far: The Crows had a late start to pre-season training courtesy of reaching the Grand Final. The first-to-fourth-year players returned on November 20 before the senior players got underway on December 4. Star recruit Bryce Gibbs has impressed since joining the club, while running machine Sam Gibson showed his credentials, the oldest player on the list winning the second 2km time trial. Forward Mitch McGovern (hamstring) is yet to resume training with the main group, while midfielder Hugh Greenwood is recovering from foot surgery. He's expected to return to training in the New Year.

Time trial champ: Forward Riley Knight won the club's first 2km time trial involving the first to fourth year players with Wayne Milera second. North Melbourne recruit Sam Gibson won the second one when the senior players returned. Knight and Milera didn't take part in the second time trial.

Training return: January 8

Community camp: Strathalbyn and the Adelaide Hills on February 26 and 27.

AFLX fixture: Thursday, February 15, Hindmarsh Stadium (Adelaide): Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong, Port Adelaide, West Coast

JLT fixture: v Fremantle, Strathalbyn Oval, Sunday, February 25, 1.35pm ACDT; v Port Adelaide, Alberton Oval, Saturday, March 10, 3.35pm ACDT.

Round one: v Essendon, Etihad Stadium, Friday, March 23, 7.50pm AEDT.

Last time: round 21, 2017, Etihad Stadium, Essendon 12.8 (80) v Adelaide 18.15 (123)

- Lee Gaskin

Pre-season so far: The first six weeks has been dominated by a heavy focus on contested footy. Chris Fagan says there's no escaping how poor the Lions were in that department in 2017, so there's been plenty of wrestling, small-sided drills and skill execution under extreme pressure. Luke Hodge and Charlie Cameron have fitted in easily, as have the club's six draftees, led by No.1 pick Cam Rayner. Jarrod Berry's foot problem has been the major injury concern, but he's back running now and with no more interruptions should be fine by round one. For the second straight year, the Lions have gone to Launceston for a pre-season camp to escape the Brisbane heat and humidity.

Time trial champ: Nick Robertson is again the man. The robust West Australian has added a few kilograms of muscle to his already strong body, but it hasn't slowed his running down. Tom Bell, Ryan Bastinac and Ben Keays were also prominent.

Training return: January 9

Community Camp: Toowoomba, Bundaberg, the Fraser Coast and the Ipswich/Springfield corridor on February 19 and 20.

AFLX fixture: February 17, Allianz Stadium: Sydney Swans, Greater Western Sydney, Western Bulldogs, Richmond, Gold Coast.

JLT fixture: v Sydney Swans, Moreton Bay Sports Complex, Brisbane, Saturday, March 3, 3.35pm; v Gold Coast, Fankhauser Reserve, Southport, Sunday, March 11, 3.05pm.

Round one: v St Kilda, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, March 24, 3.35pm.

Last time: round three, 2017, Etihad Stadium, 14.23 (107) v 11.10 (76)

- Michael Whiting

Pre-season so far: The mood is buoyant at Ikon Park after returning from the week-long training camp on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. A major focus has been working on methods to increase the team’s scoring power. The early loss of All Australian defender Sam Docherty with a season-ending ACL was a crushing blow, but there have been plenty of positives since. Skipper Marc Murphy has led by example and star midfielder Patrick Cripps is enjoying his first full pre-season after recovering from a broken leg. Exciting youngsters Charlie Curnow and Sam Petrevski-Seton have returned looking much stronger, while Zac Fisher has been most impressive. Key forward Harry McKay, whose 2017 campaign ended prematurely with a toe injury, has built up considerably. Recruit Matthew Kennedy is on a special program after having post-season shoulder surgery. After a minor setback with the throat injury that finished his 2017 season, Ed Curnow is back in training. Fresh from his excellent performances in the Virgin Australia AFL International Rules Series, veteran Kade Simpson is shaping up well for his 16th AFL season.

Time trial champ: While Carlton does not release its time trial results, Ed Curnow is probably the best endurance runner at the club and would figure prominently.

Training return: January 11

Community camp: Melbourne Metro (North) Darebin, Banyule, Whittlesea and Nillumbik; Yarra Ranges (Warburton, Yarra Junction and surrounds), Tuesday, February 20-Wednesday, February 21.

AFLX fixture: Friday, February 16, Etihad Stadium: Essendon, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Hawthorn and Melbourne

JLT fixture: v St Kilda, Ikon Park, Wednesday, February 28, 7.10pm AEDT; v Hawthorn, University of Tasmania Stadium, Saturday, March 10, 7.05pm AEDT

Round one: v Richmond, MCG, Thursday, March 22, 7.25pm AEDT

Last time: Round 14, 2017, MCG, Richmond 11.18 (84) d Carlton 8.10 (58)

- Howard Kotton

The mood is buoyant at Carlton after its Sunshine Coast camp. Picture: AFL Photos





Pre-season so far: New fitness chief Kevin White has proved a popular appointment and ensured the players were honing their ball skills from the first day of the campaign. Nathan Buckley's revamped coaching panel, including newcomers Garry Hocking, Justin Longmuir and Matthew Boyd, has made its presence felt. The club's medical team has had its issues, with three players – Jamie Elliott (ankle), Alex Fasolo (shoulder) and Levi Greenwood (knee) – being advised they would be healed by rest alone, only for them to undergo surgery partway through the pre-season. Skipper Scott Pendlebury has also undergone further surgery to repair a troublesome finger. However, an injury-free Daniel Wells is in a much better condition to attack the season, Brayden Maynard has improved his endurance and is hoping for a move from defence into the midfield, Jack Crisp is expected to play predominantly in the back half, while a sleek James Aish appears determined to cement a senior spot and one-game forward Kayle Kirby seems to have lost weight.

Time trial champ: Tom Phillips

Training return: January 8

Community camp: Latrobe Valley and Traralgon (February 5-6), Oakleigh local government area (February 5-6), Barkley, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory (February 4-8).

AFLX fixture: Thursday February 15, Hindmarsh Stadium: Adelaide, Fremantle, Geelong, Port Adelaide and West Coast

JLT fixture: v GWS Giants, UNSW Canberra Oval, Thursday March 1, 7.10pm AEDT; v Western Bulldogs, Moe, Saturday March 10, 2.05pm AEDT

Round one: v Hawthorn, MCG, Saturday March 24, 7.25pm AEDT

Last time: Round 15, 2017, MCG, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d Collingwood 14.10 (94)

Pre-season so far: The Bombers will put energy over summer into being a bit more defensively minded next season. All eyes have been on recruits Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad at training, although Stringer is on an individual program to help him settle in and Smith is still working through a knee injury and should be back into full training by January. Michael Hurley (hip/wrist) is looking trimmer than before but is still on a restricted program after his pair of surgeries, while Matthew Leuenberger (shoulder) and Cale Hooker (leg) are in the same boat. A group of younger Bombers headed to America for an off-season training camp before returning to start their pre-season.

Time trial champ: Patrick Ambrose

Training return: January 5

Community camp: Essendon, Craigieburn, Camperdown, Cobden, Timboon – Victoria (March 12-13)

AFLX fixture: Friday, February 16, Etihad Stadium: Carlton, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, St Kilda

JLT fixture: v Richmond, Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta, Saturday, February 24, 4.35pm AEDT; v Geelong, Central Reserve, Colac, Sunday, March 11, 1.05pm AEDT

Round one: v Adelaide, Etihad Stadium, Friday, March 23, 7.50pm AEDT

Last time: round four, 2017, Adelaide 24.9 (153) d Essendon 13.10 (88) at Adelaide Oval

- Callum Twomey

Pre-season so far: The prospect of completing the club's first full pre-season at its new state-of-the-art training facility at Cockburn has been refreshing for a team keen to rebound back up the ladder. There has been positive news on the injury front with Michael Walters' knee responding well to rest, Hayden Ballantyne turning to pilates to overcome his hamstring problems, Harley Bennell hoping for further continuity after arresting his chronic calf ailments, and young defender Alex Pearce also training well and showing leadership potential after two years ruined by leg injuries. Skipper Nat Fyfe is again beast-like and appears primed to return to his brilliant best. Former Giants dasher Nathan Wilson has reinforced that he will be a high-quality acquisition, while No.2 draft pick Andrew Brayshaw and No.5 pick Adam Cerra have also made terrific impressions.

Time trial champ: Tom Sheridan

Training return: January 8

Community Camp: The Dockers visited the Mandurah and Wheatbelt regions on December 7 and 8

AFLX fixture: Thursday February 15, Hindmarsh Stadium: Adelaide, Collingwood, Geelong, Port Adelaide and West Coast

JLT fixture: v Adelaide, Strathalbyn, Sunday February 25, 1.35pm ACDT; v West Coast, Joondalup, Sunday 11 March, 4.05pm AWST

Round one: v Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, Saturday March 24, 4.35pm (ACDT)

Last time: Round two, 2017, Adelaide Oval, Port Adelaide 22.13 (145) d Fremantle 8.8 (56)

- Marc McGowan

Nat Fyfe is in beast mode this pre-season. Picture: AFL Photos





Pre-season so far: The Cats haven't strayed far from their home base this off-season since the younger players returned to training on November 20. They've put in a number of sessions at their summer training base at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds, and while coach Chris Scott has been off overseas studying at Harvard University and interstate on learning missions, there are no plans for the players to train anywhere else this pre-season. They've also dabbled in specific AFLX training ahead of the concept's debut in February. Their rehab list has been quite short, with their only setback so far coming in the middle of December when Lachie Henderson was forced under the knife a second time in two months to fix on-going knee pain. He's expected to resume training at some stage in January.

Time trial champ: Mark Blicavs, fresh from trekking to Mt Everest base camp in the off-season, is expected to excel – along with Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola – when the Cats hold their measured running exercise ahead of their Christmas break. Traditionally, the players are tasked with running as far as they can in 15 minutes, which is usually won by the former steeplechaser and renowned endurance star.

Training return: January 8

Community camp: The Cats are again staying local and will visit places in Bellarine, Colac and Geelong itself, on February 19-20

AFLX fixture: Thursday, February 15, Hindmarsh Stadium: Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Fremantle, West Coast and Collingwood

JLT fixture: v Gold Coast, Riverway Stadium, Townsville, Sunday, March 4, 3.35pm AEST; v Essendon, Central Reserve, Colac, Sunday, March 11, 1.05pm AEDT

Round one: v Melbourne, MCG, Sunday, March 25, 3.20pm AEDT

Last time: Round three, 2017, Etihad Stadium, Geelong 20.6 (126) d Melbourne 13.19 (97)

- Jennifer Phelan

Pre-season so far: New coach Stuart Dew has kept things simple. In his first two months in charge, his primary focus has been to build relationships with his players and work hard on perfecting the same handful of competitive drills. Young Adelaide recruit Harrison Wigg (ankle) has been the only casualty, with Sam Day (hip) and Pearce Hanley (broken hand) both progressing well. Last year's draftees Ben Ainsworth and Will Brodie look particularly impressive, while co-captain Tom Lynch hasn't missed a beat after suffering a PCL injury late in the season. Gold Coast will relocate its entire training and administration base to nearby Bond University in February as Metricon Stadium prepares to host the Commonwealth Games.

Time trial champ: Josh Schoenfeld took out the 2km trial for the first-to-fourth-year players, while Michael Barlow won the trial for the players with over four years experience.

Training return: January 9

Community Camp: Gold Coast and Northern Rivers region (February 6), and Townsville (March 1-2).

AFLX fixture: Saturday, February 17, Allianz Stadium: Sydney, Greater Western Sydney, Western Bulldogs, Richmond, Brisbane Lions.

JLT fixture v Geelong, Riverway Stadium, Townsville, Sunday, March 4, 3.35pm; v Brisbane Lions, Fankhauser Reserve, Southport, Sunday, March 11, 3.05pm.

Round one: v North Melbourne, Cazaly's Stadium (Cairns), Saturday, March 24, 6.25pm AEST

Last time: Round 15, 2017, Metricon Stadium, 18.10 (118) v 14.15 (99).

- Michael Whiting

Pre-season so far: The Giants drafted well and the list looks in good shape heading into the Christmas break. Dylan Shiel (shoulder), Toby Greene (toe) and Daniel Lloyd (wrist) are all training and should join the main group in January, while veterans Brett Deledio and Ryan Griffen will also ramp things up in the New Year. Youngster Tim Taranto looks in fantastic condition, as does recruit Lachie Keeffe and draftee Zac Langdon, and the Giants will need players to step up after the departure of so much experience. A hamstring injury to first-round draft pick Aiden Bonar is the only major setback so far.

Time Trial champ: Tom Scully

Training return: January 8

Community camps: Wagga, Griffith, South Coast Merimbula, Central West Bathurst & Orange – NSW (February 28 – March 1); Canberra (February 28 – March 1); Greater Western Sydney suburbs (February 14)

AFLX fixture: Saturday, February 17, Allianz Stadium: Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast, Richmond, Sydney, Western Bulldogs

JLT fixture: v Collingwood, UNSW Oval, Canberra, Thursday, March 1, 7.10pm AEDT; v Sydney, Blacktown Olympic Sportspark, Friday, March 9, 7.40pm AEDT

Round one: v Western Bulldogs, UNSW Oval, Saturday, March 1, 1.10pm AEDT

Last time: Round 21, 2017, Etihad Stadium, Bulldogs 7.15 (57) v GWS 16.9 (105)

- Adam Curley

Pre-season so far: Longer than usual pre-season for the Hawks after missing the finals last year for the first time since 2009. They've climbed mountains, rafted and cycled through Lord of the Rings country in New Zealand and have returned with what insiders believe is some extra steel and resolve ahead of the new season. Defenders Ben Stratton, Grant Birchall and James Frawley are back and looking good after missing half of last season and the Hawks look set to bat deeper in 2018. Jarryd Roughead (knee) and Will Langford (finger) will resume full training after the Christmas break as will Cyril Rioli, who has been granted personal leave from the club to deal with a family illness. Training standouts so far include Stratton, Jack Gunston, Harry Morrison and Jaeger O'Meara.

Time trial champ: Isaac Smith won the first 2.2 km time trial for the summer, but the big one takes traditionally place after they resume training in January.

Training return: January 5

Community camp: Some of the Hawks will visit Katherine from February 15-18, while the entire squad will be in Tasmania from March 8-11, coinciding with the JLT clash with Carlton.

AFLX fixture: Friday, February 16, Etihad Stadium: Carlton, Essendon, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Melbourne

JLT fixture: v Western Bulldogs, Mars Stadium, Ballarat, Saturday, March 3, 2:05pm AEDT; v Carlton, University of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston, Saturday, March 10, 7:05pm AEDT

Round one: v Collingwood, MCG, March 24, 7.25pm AEDT

Last time: Round 15, 2017, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d Collingwood 14.10 (94) at the MCG

- Ashley Browne

The Hawks spent time in Lord of the Rings country in New Zealand. Picture: AFL Photos



Pre-season so far: Melbourne players have come back with a steely resolve after narrowly missing the finals by percentage last season. Big ruckman Max Gawn has cut a lean figure at pre-season training and looks set to rebound from an injury-riddled 2017. Star forward Jesse Hogan has also come back in ripping nick, dedicating himself to his off-season training program. As has been customary over the past few seasons, the Demons are not shying away from running contested drills at training. The coaching staff want to use this time of year to teach their players contest method, spread away from the contest and defensive transition. Rookie Corey Maynard has shown his ability in this area, while recruits Jake Lever and Harley Balic have also impressed.

Time trial champ: Tom McDonald took out an impromptu 2km test at training in early December, edging out captain Nathan Jones and Tom Bugg. However, only a select group of players ran in the race at Gosch's Paddock. Alex Neal-Bullen and Billy Stretch were not among the participants and are generally strong performers.

Training return: January 8

Community Camp: Melbourne players will visit the Casey, Stonnington and Booroodara areas, on February 26 and 27. The Demons will also head to Glen Eira on those dates. The Demons are scheduled to travel to Alice Springs on February 22-23.

AFLX fixture: Friday, February 16, Etihad Stadium: Carlton, Essendon, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Hawthorn

JLT fixture: v North Melbourne, Kingston Twin Ovals, Hobart, Saturday, February 24, 2.05pm AEDT; v St Kilda, Casey Fields, Thursday, March 8, 7.05pm AEDT

Round one: v Geelong, MCG, Sunday, March 25, 3.20pm AEDT

Last time: Round three, 2017, Etihad Stadium, Geelong 20.6 (126) d Melbourne 13.19 (97)

- Ben Guthrie

Pre-season so far: The Kangaroos' first-to-fourth-year players again started their pre-season with a two-week high-altitude training camp in Utah in late October. They eased several players back into training, some of whom had season-ending or post-season operations, including Jack Ziebell, Jamie Macmillan, Ben Brown, Jy Simpkin, Marley Williams, Ryan Clarke, Braydon Preuss, Nathan Hrovat and Mitch Hibberd. West Australian draftee Kyron Hayden underwent surgery in mid-December to fix a shoulder issue that troubled him throughout the year and will miss up to five months. Declan Watson continues his rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction, but will miss most of 2018. Hibberd and Hawthorn discard Billy Hartung are setting the pace on the track, winning North's time trial and Yo-Yo test, respectively.

Time trial champ: Mitch Hibberd

Training return: January 15

Community camp: The Kangaroos will visit Hobart, Devonport and Launceston on February 26 and 27

AFLX fixture: Friday, February 16, Etihad Stadium: Carlton, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, St Kilda

JLT fixture: v Melbourne, Kingston Twin Ovals, Hobart, Saturday, February 24, 2.05pm AEDT; vs Richmond, Ikon Park, Wednesday, March 7, 7.05pm AEDT

Round one: v Gold Coast, Cazaly's Stadium, Saturday, March 24, 6.25pm AEST

Last time: Round 15, 2017, Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast 18.10 (118) d North Melbourne 14.15 (99)

- Marc McGowan

Pre-season so far: The Power's young players started training on November 20, with the senior players coming back a week later on November 27. The first-and-second-year players spent four days training with NRL club South Sydney in Sydney. Melbourne recruits Jack Watts and Jack Trengove hit the ground running from November 20. Star forward Robbie Gray has been eased back after having chemotherapy for testicular cancer, while ex-Brisbane Lions captain Tom Rockliff has also been on a modified program after having shoulder surgery in the off-season.

Time trial champ: Karl Amon

Training return: January 8

Community camp: Yorke Peninsula, Port Lincoln, Ceduna and Yalata on February 12 and 13

AFLX fixture: Thursday, February 15, Hindmarsh Stadium (Adelaide): Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong, Adelaide, West Coast

JLT fixture: v West Coast, Leederville Oval, Perth, Sunday, February 25, 3.35pm AWST; v Adelaide, Alberton Oval, Saturday, March 10, 3.35pm ACDT

Round one: v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval, Saturday, March 24, 4.05pm ACDT

Last time: Round two, 2017, Adelaide Oval, Port Adelaide 22.13 (145) v Fremantle 8.8 (56)

- Lee Gaskin

Pre-season so far: Daniel Rioli is the main concern for the club, which had a great run with injuries in 2017. The small forward suffered a broken left foot in the Grand Final and will have surgery again after Christmas to have metal plates removed. He is in doubt for round one. Fellow premiership players Dion Prestia (ankle), Kane Lambert (knee) and David Astbury (shoulder) also had operations over the break, while Jayden Short and Oleg Markov went under the knife for shoulder issues. Superstar Dustin Martin went overseas with Collingwood champion Dane Swan on a trip that caused plenty of headlines, but was spotted at the club before he was due back in a sign he is preparing for another massive season.

Time Trial champ: Kane Lambert

Training return: January 8

Community camp: Bendigo and Echuca on February 12-13

AFLX fixture: Saturday, February 17, Allianz Stadium: Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Sydney, Western Bulldogs

JLT fixture: v Essendon, Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta, Saturday, February 24, 4.35pm AEDT; v North Melbourne, Ikon Park, Wednesday, March 7, 7.05pm AEDT

Round one: v Carlton, MCG, Thursday, March 22, 7.25pm AEDT

Last time: Round 14, 2017, MCG, Richmond 11.18 (84) to Carlton 8.10 (58)

- Dinny Navaratnam

Pre-season so far: The biggest injury scare over the pre-season was Paddy McCartin, who suffered a right foot sprain a month ago. It was a blip in what had been a stellar pre-season but McCartin should be back in full training in the new year. Prior to that, the key forward was as lean as he has ever been. He wasn't the only one to lose weight, with Mav Weller having shed eight kilograms and Shane Savage five. Ben Dixon has started as goalkicking coach to remedy the Saints' woes in front of goals but he will do much more work with the players in January and February.

Time Trial champ: Jarryn Geary

Training return: January 8

Community camp: Kingston, Dandenong and the Mornington Peninsula on February 12-13

AFLX fixture: Friday, February 16, Etihad Stadium: Carlton, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne

JLT fixture: v Carlton, Ikon Park, Wednesday, February 28, 7.10pm AEDT; v Melbourne, Casey Fields, Cranbourne, Thursday, March 8, 7.05pm AEDT

Round one: v Brisbane Lions, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, March 24, 3.35pm AEDT.

Last time: Round three, 2017, Etihad Stadium, St Kilda 14.23 (107) to Brisbane Lions 11.10 (76)

- Dinny Navaratnam

Mav Weller (right), with Blake Acres, is one of a number of Saints to have shed weight. Picture: AFL Photos





Pre-season so far: A minor knee operation for young gun Isaac Heeney last week was a blow for the Swans, but apart from ruckman Kurt Tippett, who is recovering from an ankle reconstruction and won't be running until at least mid-January, the rest of the squad is travelling well. The club's experienced players have been on light duties ahead of the Christmas break to freshen them up, but all of the Sydney draftees have been impressive over their first month of footy in the AFL.

Time Trial champ: N/A

Training return: January 8

Community Camp: Sydney metro, Terrigal, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Wollongong, Bowral, Coffs Harbour, Armidale & Tamworth – NSW (February 5-6)

AFLX fixture: Saturday, February 17, Pool C, Allianz Stadium: v Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Richmond, Western Bulldogs

JLT fixture: v Brisbane Lions, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, Saturday, March 3, 3.35pm AEST; v Greater Western Sydney, Blacktown Olympic Sportspark, Friday, March 9, 7.40pm AEDT

Round one: v West Coast, Optus Stadium, Sunday, March 25, 4.20pm AWST

Last time: Round four, 2017, Domain Stadium, Eagles 13.13 (91) v Swans 10.5 (65)

- Adam Curley

Pre-season so far: Nic Naitanui is back on the track but yet to join full training after a minor arthroscope on his reconstructed left knee. Coach Adam Simpson says he won't rush the 2012 All Australian ruckman. Among those on modified programs are Mark LeCras and Elliot Yeo, who re-signed at the Eagles through the 2023 season in mid-December. Gun midfielder Luke Shuey was also a late starter after representing Australia in the International Rules Series against Ireland. Speedster Lewis Jetta suffered a minor calf train at training last week, but is expected to resume post-Christmas. Fifth-year midfielder Malcolm Karpany has impressed in running drills.

Time trial champ: Chris Masten

Training return: January 8

Community camp: The Eagles will visit Busselton, Collie, Newman, Port Hedland and several metropolitan locations on February 13 and 14

AFLX fixture: Thursday, February 15, Hindmarsh Stadium, v Adelaide, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong, Port Adelaide

JLT fixture: v Port Adelaide, Leederville Oval, Sunday, February 25, 3.35pm AWST; v Fremantle, HBF Arena, Joondalup, Sunday, March 11, 4.05pm AWST

Round one: v Sydney, Optus Stadium, Sunday, March 25, 4.20pm AWST

Last time: Round four, 2017, Domain Stadium, West Coast 13.13 (91) d Sydney 10.5 (65)

- Marc McGowan

Pre-season so far: After getting back into the swing of things on November 9 after missing the finals, the Dogs spent the week leading into their Christmas break together in Torquay on a three-day training camp for a bit of pre-festive season bonding for the second year running. They'll again head north a few weeks after they reconvene on Monday, January 8 for another Sunshine Coast camp in Mooloolaba. Rhylee West, son of 324-game midfielder Scott West, has also been training with the club ahead of his draft year where he'll be eligible for father-son selection.

Time trial champ: The Dogs have refrained from official measured time trials but have put in plenty of endurance based sessions, where the likes of Bailey Dale, Toby McLean, Mitch Wallis, Lachie Hunter and Clay Smith have been performing.

Training return: January 8

Community camp: The Dogs are off to the central Victorian town of Ballarat, where they'll host two home and away matches in 2018, and will also send a contingent to the south-western town of Hamilton. The Ballarat visits will take place on March 1-2, and the Hamilton ones on March 2-3.

AFLX fixture: Saturday, February 17, Allianz Stadium: Sydney, Greater Western Sydney, the Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast, Richmond

JLT fixture: v Hawthorn, Mars Stadium, Ballarat, Saturday, March 3, 2.05pm AEDT; v Collingwood, Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe, Saturday, March 10, 1.05pm AEDT

Round one: v Greater Western Sydney, UNSW Canberra Oval, Sunday, March 25, 1.10pm AEDT

Last time: Round 21, 2017, Etihad Stadium, Western Bulldogs 7.15 (57) lost to Greater Western Sydney 16.9 (105)

- Jennifer Phelan

The Bulldogs spent time training at Torquay during the off-season. Picture: AFL Photos

