Western Bulldogs star recruit Alex Keath is expecting to be ready to go for Round 1, following ankle surgery over the summer.
The 28-year-old needed an operation to repair the injury following his trade period move from the Crows, but he is on track to be at full fitness come the start of the season.
“I’m getting back into some training and taking part in some match simulation now and getting towards the goal of taking part in the practice games,” Keath told SEN SA Breakfast.
“The ankle is going well, plenty of rehab over the summer.
“It’s been pretty smooth the rehab process, obviously after the surgery I was pretty sore and sorry for myself, but since then I’ve been progressing pretty nicely.
“I’m settling into the new club now and it is nice to have some fresh ideas and a fresh start.
“I’m really enjoying it over here and looking forward to the season.”
Keath said the opportunities the Bulldogs laid in front of him were too good to knock back.
“There were a few factors, but the opportunity that was given to me at the Dogs was one I couldn’t refuse and a really good challenge for me to take on,” he said.
“That was definitely attractive and the Crows were probably looking to go in a different direction and get a bit younger and weighing up from the club’s perspective and my perspective, the move made sense."
The Bulldogs stormed into finals last season and Keath believes they will continue to build on that success in 2020.
“I think last year in the second half of the year there were some good games, but with the young list that’s there the aim is to build on that.
“I think that’s where our goals lie.”
Keath played 30 games for the Crows after returning to footy from cricket.