NEW WESTERN Bulldog Patrick Veszpremi says a chat with his former Sydney Swans teammate Barry Hall convinced him that Whitten Oval was the ideal place to reinvigorate his flagging career.

Veszpremi, the No.11 selection at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, managed just one game in 2010 for a total of 11 in his three years at the Swans.

He decided late in the season to pursue a return to his native Melbourne but it was Hall's advice that convinced him the Bulldogs might be a good fit.

"I spoke to Hally a couple of weeks ago before trade week, just to get the insight of the Bulldogs," Veszpremi told afl.com.au's Trade Week Radio.

"Just the way he explained and the way they seem to go about the club, he sold it for me … that's what really got me across there and having a meeting with Rocket (Rodney Eade) and all the coaches, hearing what they had to say and where they think I'd fit with coming to the club.

"That was it really. I just said I wanted to go to the Bulldogs; lucky enough Sydney were interested in (Andrejs) Everitt and it worked out OK."

Veszpremi burst on to the scene at senior level late in 2008 with a four-goal cameo against the Brisbane Lions that earned him two Brownlow votes in just his fourth game.

But a combination of injury, a lack of fitness and form meant his opportunities were limited in 2009 and he played just four matches.

He managed to stay healthy for much of 2010 but struggled to break into the senior team. His only appearance came in round 14 against Port Adelaide, when he was a late inclusion at AAMI Stadium.

The 21-year-old said he had found it hard to enjoy his football for much of the season, prompting a family discussion about his future.

"We just thought if I could come back home and there was an opportunity back home, it was better for me to have a fresh start somewhere else because of where my head was at the moment, and where I thought I was going with my footy," he said.

"I wasn't enjoying it as much and I think it was just better having a fresh start back home with my family where the support is."

Veszpremi said he hoped to join Hall in the Bulldogs' forward line in 2011, with a view to moving into the midfield as his fitness improved.

"I've got to get into the team first. Obviously there are no guarantees, but that's where they can see me playing," he said.

The Dogs also received the Swans' fourth-round draft selection (No.73) as part of Wednesday's trade of Veszpremi for Everitt, a 39-game utility.