MATT Suckling hopes he can help the Western Bulldogs take another step in 2016 after bringing his extensive finals experience to Whitten Oval.

The 27-year-old former Hawthorn defender, who will wear the No.1 guernsey in his first season as a Bulldog, has played in 11 finals including three Grand Finals for two premiership wins.

By comparison, his new team entered its first final since 2010 this year with 14 players who had not before played into September.

"We do have a young list and I've been lucky enough to play in big games and finals over the last few years," Suckling told the club's website.

"So if I can bring any of that experience across then I'm happy to do that."

Suckling will take on the number recently vacated by new Gold Coast forward Jarrad Grant, which was previously worn by Brownlow medallist Alan Hopkins and 1954 premiership player John Kerr.

"I suppose seeing the names on the locker, a premiership player and a Hall of Famer attached to the No.1, hopefully I can work hard over the pre-season and debut in it next year," he said.

The entire club is now back training after a staggered start, with new draftees Josh Dunkley, Kieran Collins, Marcus Adams and Bailey Williams embarking on their first day on Friday.

They've since added three rookies – Brad Lynch, Luke Goetz and former Brisbane Lion Jed Adcock – who trained with the club in the week leading up to Friday's NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Adcock has been handed the No.44 guernsey for the upcoming season.

Suckling, who moved to the Dogs in October via free agency, said his transition had been easy so far.

"It's been a bit of a whirlwind week but to get my locker and my number is pretty special and it's starting to sink in now," he said.

"I'm settling in really well, it's a great group down here and the whole vibe around the whole place is really special and they’re making it very easy to fit in."

The Bulldogs have announced they'll feature only one clash strip in 2016 – a white guernsey that features the club's 'brandmark', which will completely replace the unpopular red alternate jumper.

The new white jumper features the Bulldog that was introduced as the club's new logo last year.