Defender Lukas Markovic has set his sights on breaking into the Western Bulldogs' back six in 2010 and coach Rodney Eade says there's no reason why the mature-age draftee can't do so.

The 22-year-old spent the 2006 season on the rookie list at Hawthorn but two long-term ankle injuries meant the Hawks cut their losses because according to Markovic 'they weren't sure if I'd actually pull up and whether or not (I'd) play again'.

But having overcome that disappointment and the injury itself with three seasons at Box Hill, where his focus shifted from the forward line where he'd been groomed to play at Hawthorn to the backline where he excelled, he believes he's ready for a shot at the big time.

"Yeah absolutely, I'm confident that I can take it up from the next level and hopefully make a spot for me in the back six," Markovic said on Monday as the Bulldogs unveiled their latest draftees at Whitten Oval.

"So I'm looking forward to a big pre-season and putting on another couple of kilos hopefully and try and get a spot there."

"It's certainly not going to be easy but I'm looking forward to it."

While the Dogs expect to have their other three draftees Christian Howard, Jason Tutt and Shane Thorne on modified programs at least up until Christmas and the trio unlikely to get a game in 2010, Eade sees a much more promising short-term future for Markovic.

"Certainly Lukas can play straight away but is that extra tall defender," Eade said.

"It was really his playing ability and the way he went about it (that got him drafted) and I suppose that's why he was made captain (at Box Hill) was the fact that he could actually go about it the right way and was a very competitive individual."

"And we've watched the VFL closely and a lot of tapes on him as well and he's played on some very good players and some big players and we think there's a role for him in that area."

While Markovic has no major concerns about his ankle these days, even if he is still careful with it if it 'gets a little bit stiff', another of the club's recent additions in forward Barry Hall is due to start running again soon after ankle surgery.

"No he's not running yet, he'll be able to run in about a week," Eade added.

"He's been walking pain-free from the start (and) he wants to run but the doctors are just holding him back at the moment."

"He's doing everything else, all the cross training, running in the pool as well. He looks extremely fit, he's probably a couple of kilos lighter he said than what he played at and he's fine."