THERE is plenty of expectation when a new player arrives at a club.

There's anticipation from the coaches, there's hope from supporters and there's pressure the player places on himself.

The hype around Western Bulldogs draftee Marcus Adams is a greater than normal for a second-round pick because Luke Beveridge has dubbed him 'The Specimen'.

"I don't know where that's come from; it's got a bit carried away," Adams said.

"I think it started during the recruiting process, got out and stuck from there.

"It's stuck a little bit (with my teammates), but I haven’t copped too much for it."

The key defender is being a little modest about his new nickname because at 193cm and 95 kg, he cuts an imposing figure.

And at 22 years of age, his arrival at Whitten Oval is timely, as the Dogs' key defensive stocks needed some replenishing.

His domination of the WAFL in 2015 saw the Bulldogs swoop on the West Perth product with pick 35 in last month's NAB AFL Draft.

Adams' aggressive style, versatility and adept intercept marking impressed recruiters, and those attributes should see him fit seamlessly into an attacking Bulldogs' outfit.

"Obviously I'd like to come in and have an impact immediately, but that's up to 'Bevo'," he said.

"I've got to do all the work that I can do to put myself in that position.

"I've noticed a lot of the boys are around my age and it's been a really easy transition – the boys are an exciting young bunch so it's been good."

But life hasn't always been good for Adams, with older brother Luke suffering near-fatal injuries from a one-punch attack back in 2011.

Luke was also an aspiring footballer but the assault ended his footy dream and forced Marcus to reassess his life.

"The circumstances surrounding Luke and issues away from footy saw me drop out of the system (for a few years)," Adam said.

"It was good, the time away, to sort all that off-field stuff out.

"I've developed a lot as a person and the way I think about the game, so I think that helped a little bit, too."

That maturity has the West Australian well placed to settle into Melbourne, cope with a gruelling pre-season and hopefully run out for the Dogs against Fremantle in round one.

"I've really enjoyed my first couple of weeks here – the boys and coaches have been good and there's been plenty of help from everyone," Adams said.

"There's a lot more work to do, so my plan is to do as much work, improve and be ready for next year."