WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Ryan Griffen has admitted he isn’t a natural leader, but he’s using his own style to make an impact on his teammates.

The 28-year-old Griffen, who took over the leadership from Matthew Boyd, said skippering the Bulldogs' new brigade of fresh-faced pups was not a burden but a role he was relishing

"[The captaincy] is something that's not natural (to me) but I'm learning," Griffen told the AFL Record.

"I'm really loving the role, and I lead by example. I'm looking to get better in the role, guys around me are helping me and I think my voice has improved.”

Under the tutelage of coach Brendan McCartney and the guidance of Griffen, the Bulldogs' youngsters have showed plenty of promise this year.

They've won seven games and have been highly competitive in most matches, losing four games by less than 10 points.

The likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Jake Stringer have impressed and will continue to develop.

Described by his coach as a "big brother" to the playing group, it's Griffen's desire to nurture the next breed of Bulldogs that has seen him gain the respect of all at the Whitten Oval.

"I really care about the group," Griffen said.

"That's my leadership style. I care for the younger guys; I care for the older blokes. I want the team to get better so that's all I can work on.

"The best thing about the club at the moment is we are heading forward with these young guys.

"I'm really looking forward to the future."

Read the full Griffen interview in the round 21 edition of the AFL Record, available at all grounds.