VETERAN Nathan Eagleton, who turns 30 later this year, says playing with the youngsters in the team has revitalised his career.
Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen, Josh Hill and Daniel Cross have been on fire for the Dogs this season, and the 163-game veteran said the combination of new talent and a rebuilt training base were working wonders.
"Oh yeah, for sure, you've got to keep up with these guys if you want to stay in the side you've got to do what you can for the side and make sure you're with these guys," he said.
"Obviously the new facility here has helped as well, and coming here every day, you want to get here and do as much as you can.
"It's a great facility and we're using it to the best of our ability."
The Dogs are unbeaten after eight rounds, and Eagleton said it was fun playing in that sort of environment.
"We're playing good footy, and obviously if I can contribute as much as possible to the side, and that's what we all want to do – it's very exciting.
"I probably haven't played in a winning streak like this for a long time, so it's been very exciting."
Eagleton said belief was the key.
"We did it against Richmond, and obviously didn't get over the line, but probably got a lot from that," he said.
"The guys obviously know that we're always in the contest, no matter where it is, or what situation the game is, so we got massive belief from that effort that we could come back.
"Belief, I suppose, is the big word at the moment in the group, and the 22 guys that go out there are going to contribute and do what they can for the side to make sure that we get the results, and it's happening at the moment."