VETERAN midfielder Matthew Boyd says the Western Bulldogs will rely on each other to maintain the rage this pre-season and guard against complacency in 2016. 

The Bulldogs were the feel-good story of this year with their thrilling brand of football catapulting them into the finals for the first time since 2010.

They fell in the first week at the hands of Adelaide, but not before winning plenty of admiration for their unlikely rise in coach Luke Beveridge's first season.  

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With all Bulldogs now back training, Boyd says it's imperative they motivate each other across summer to avoid slipping after a promising season, like Port Adelaide did this year.

"You can't get complacent in this game because you see teams improve quickly and on the flip slide teams can go downhill quickly," Boyd said.

"You really need to make sure you keep the boys focused on what they need to do, and that's just about improving and working on the things the coaches ask them to work on and the things their teammates ask them to work on.

"We're all accountable to each other to maintain the drive.

"I haven't seen a lot of training so far but from all reports the guys have come back in really good nick and have looked after themselves over the break, which is a great start because this is a really important foundation to launch into 2016 so we need to make sure we get this right."

At 33, Boyd is the second-oldest Bulldog and one of four who will start the season aged over 30. 

He's been back at the club for two days and faced some "relatively gentle" training so far, but is ready for things to ramp up soon.

"I expect to do a fair bit," Boyd said.

"I like to make sure I keep myself in good nick and I can't use age as an excuse or barrier.

"I really enjoy the pre-season because you get out there and get fit and you feel good so I'm looking forward to another one."

Boyd played 19 games in 2015 but won't be putting a figure on how many he expects to run out for in his 14^th season.

After spending more time in defence in 2015, he also said he was ready for whatever challenge Beveridge threw his way next year.

"I'm not sure [where I'll play] as long he's not throwing me to Footscray (VFL)," he said.

"I really enjoyed the move down back last year and I was really grateful the coaches saw an opportunity for me and gave me the confidence to pursue a different role and something that challenged my footy and how I went about it.

"That was really exciting." 

Boyd and fellow veteran Dale Morris signed one-year contract extensions in September, enthused by the Dogs' rejuvenation.

"It was based on a few different variables, one was certainly how the club went last year and the improvement that we showed and it's just an exciting place to be around at the moment," Boyd said.

"We've got some great young talent coming through and to be a part of that is really exciting."

On Wednesday, the Dogs announced a partnership with anti-domestic violence campaigners White Ribbon that will see them wear the logo of the organisation on their round 13 jumper when they face Geelong on Saturday, June 18.

They will also be involved in a six-week campaign that will promote respectful and safe relationships – the campaign lasts from that game until round 19 when they face the Cats a second time on July 29. 

"We're always excited to get prime time games but to promote the cause and the White Ribbon Foundation is fantastic," Boyd said.

"As a father of two young girls and as a husband, I'm really passionate about this foundation because I know what it means to have a loving and caring environment to bring your kids up in."