WESTERN Bulldogs recruit Hayden Crozier hasn't noticed any of the perceived unrest that was widely believed to have derailed the club's premiership defence last season.

After breaking a 62-year flag drought in 2016, the Bulldogs' spluttering 2017 campaign ended with just 11 wins and the side failing to make the finals.

After 69 games in six seasons at Fremantle, Crozier said he couldn't be more impressed with what he has witnessed in his first six months at Whitten Oval.

"(It's) a highly driven group and a very young group as well that wants to succeed," Crozier said.

"Last year they would have been disappointed with how they went, but everyone wants a repeat of 2016.

"(We're) a hard-working group (and) very determined to get back to where (we) were.

"Just the (strong) relationships between the players and coaches, it's just such a great group to be around.

"Such a great environment to come to work in every day."

Lured to the Dogs to help replace retired defensive playmakers Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd, the 24-year-old has been impressive across half-back in the JLT Community Series with his courage, decision making and ball use.

Crozier is likely to be one of the Bulldogs' most experienced backmen in Sunday's opening round clash with Greater Western Sydney in Canberra, and he's well aware he needs to step up in the leadership department with captain Easton Wood moving to the forward line and veteran stopper Dale Morris injured.

Draftee Aaron Naughton will make his debut after impressing as a key defender, while Fletcher Roberts or Lewis Young will come in to replace the injured Marcus Adams.

"Coming into my seventh season, I feel I've got that added responsibility, but I feel like that's on everyone's shoulders as well," Crozier said.

"With (Morris) going down it wasn't ideal … he was that staple in the back six and quite an experienced member of the team, but I feel other guys can step up.

"We want everyone coming through, all 22 players because one player isn't going to get it done."