As a member of Hawthorn’s 2014 and 2015 premiership sides, Matthew Suckling would know a thing or two about what it takes to make it at the top level, so when he says that he’s been impressed with Jason Johannisen this pre-season, you listen.

Suckling joined the Dogs as an unrestricted free agent during the 2015 AFL Trade Period and the former Hawk has been getting to know his new teammates up in Queensland as part of the Club’s 10 day training camp on the Sunshine Coast.

While he said that the whole group has come back in good shape after the Christmas break, it’s been the speedy half-back who has taken his eye.

“I’ve worked really closely with Jason Johannisen who obviously had a break out year last year, he told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“I enjoyed watching him play (last year) and we’ve trained a fair bit over the summer and he’s been one that I’ve been pretty impressed with.”

Suckling said that the training camp experience has been invaluable, especially for the new faces around the Club.

“It’s been good to get away with the boys and see how they all live, and sit down with everyone, have dinner and get to know the boys, he said.

“It’s been really good for me, and should be good moving forward.”

But it hasn’t been easy, while the tropical northern weather has provided some on-field benefits, the mix of rain and shine has been a challenge.

“It’s really hot and humid. It’s been raining a fair bit, so it’s been testing the boys’ skills but everyone has been up and about and we’ve had some really high quality sessions.

“The heat just makes it so hard, so that should just transfer back to Melbourne and we should train really well once we get back there.”

While Suckling had a successful run at the Hawks after being selected at pick 22 overall in the 2007 AFL Rookie Draft, he’s determined to keep adding to his game now that he’s at Whitten Oval.

“I’ve been spending some time all over the track, working with all of the coach’s, just trying to improve in all areas of the game.

“So, hopefully once the season rolls around, I’m happy to play anywhere and just try and find the best fit week to week.”