NEW Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains says expectations on recruit Josh Schache need to realistic as the No.2 draft pick from 2015 looks to restart his career at Whitten Oval.

The Bulldogs traded for the former Lion in the dying seconds of last October's NAB AFL Trade Period, giving up picks 25 and 40 in November's draft.

The 20-year-old Victorian, who struggled to settle in his two seasons in Brisbane, has kicked 25 goals in 27 senior games.

As list manager at St Kilda, Bains saw first-hand the pressure key forward Paddy McCartin endured after being the first player selected in the 2014 draft.

"I think the expectations on some of these (young) guys is a bit unrealistic at this point in their career," Bains told 3AW on Wednesday evening.

"Josh is still a player that is still developing, and he's obviously got a lot of talent to be drafted where he was, so hopefully in this environment he can continue to be supported and grow into the player we want him to be.

"To expect that seismic change in year one at the Bulldogs is a stretch."

The Dogs are optimistic Schache can play in the same side as fellow key forwards Tom Boyd and Jack Redpath, with all three having the ability to play in the ruck.

Quizzed on how Boyd was faring after battling mental health issues last year, Bains said the 2016 premiership hero had made an impression on the club's recent camp in Queensland.

"Tom is going well, (and) up in Mooloolaba there were a couple of opportunities for match simulation and Tom was a strong part of that.

"He's setting himself for a big season this year."

After winning the premiership in just his second year as coach, Luke Beveridge found the going a lot tougher in the Dogs' flag defence, with a disappointing season ending with the team missing the finals.

Bains said Beveridge was in good spirits after a difficult 12 months that also saw the club trade premiership star Jake Stringer to Essendon and the 47-year-old coach require off-season surgery on a neck complaint. 

"He's going well, Luke, he's a fantastic coach and fantastic person," he said.

"The coaching and playing group only came back last week from a camp up in Mooloolaba, which was great for setting the foundations for the season ahead."