THE WESTERN Bulldogs have wasted no time paring Tom Boyd and Josh Schache in attack, with the young key forwards combining well on day one of pre-season training.

The first-to-fourth year players were put through paces, impressing the assistant coaches in the absence of Luke Beveridge.

Development manager Rohan Smith told AFL.com.au he was pleased with the immediate understanding Boyd and Schache formed.

Schache, who was the No.2 pick in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, was traded to the Dogs from the Brisbane Lions for picks No.25 and 40 in this year's draft.

"We put them both together, they worked in conjunction really well and Tommy was helping Josh out with his movement," Smith said.

"They looked really good together, so it's pretty exciting."

While he had the coaches rapt with his work up forward, Smith was also thrilled with Schache's running on his first official day at the Bulldogs.

"He ran really well for a big guy, so we were really please with that," Smith said.

"Then with the skill component, you could see he is a very, very sound kick, so we were really pleased with how he performed today, and we're looking forward to him being a big part of the footy club.

"Josh really enjoyed himself and had a really good time out there."

Third-year key defender Marcus Adams was restricted to light duties in his return from a second serious foot injury in two seasons, but Smith said the hulking West Australian wasn't far away from taking part in full training.

Since being taken with pick No.35 in 2015, the impressive 24-year-old has suffered stress fractures in both his feet.

"Marcus is still in the rehab group and he could have trained today, but we just want to ease him into it in the first few weeks of training," Smith said.

"He looks super fit and exciting to look at because when you see him in the gym, you just think 'I can't wait until he gets out there.'

"He'll be fine."

The Bulldogs, including Josh Schache and Tom Boyd are put through their paces. Picture: Western Bulldogs



While Adams' return to training was a welcome sight for the Dogs, luckless defender Roarke Smith's appearance on the track had Smith beaming with pride.

The 21-year-old, who has had two knee reconstructions in the past 18 months, was delisted last week, but the club has promised the Calder Cannons product they will redraft him back onto the rookie list.

"I grabbed him as he walked out on the track and he said how good it was to be back out there again," Smith said.

"All the rookies can play straight away (under new AFL laws), so they all know now that if they perform at VFL level, they give themselves every opportunity to play senior footy."

The rest of the Bulldogs squad return to training on November 20.