WESTERN Bulldogs youngsters Josh Dunkley and Lukas Webb pretty much do everything together.
Whether it's training drills, sitting next to each other on flights or sharing a hotel room, the Gippsland Power products are nearly inseparable.
But it wasn't always the case, with the childhood friends reunited after Dunkley was drafted to Whitten Oval in last year's NAB AFL Draft – 12 months after Webb arrived in exactly the same fashion as a second-round pick.
The only thing they haven't done jointly, it seems, is get named in the same Bulldogs' senior side.
Dunkley impressed in six of the Dogs' first 13 games this year while Webb was reinventing himself in the VFL as an inside midfielder after playing 10 senior games in 2015 as a versatile flanker.
But when Dunkley lost his place in round 15, it was Webb who was finally given the chance to show off his development for two games, before making way for his mate for Saturday night's clash in Cairns against Gold Coast.
Dunkley – a contested ball specialist – puts their trading of places down to coincidence.
"I don't believe Lukas and I are competing for the same spot, but I think Tom Liberatore's injury gave me a chance to put my hand up for that midfield spot," Dunkley told AFL.com.au.
"We really drive each other and it's going to benefit both of us in the future.
"We room together and pretty much do everything together during the week at the footy club.
"But I feel like I've done enough (in the VFL) to get my spot back and I'm ready to go."
Even though only one of the pair has been named in the team, the duo hasn't been parted, with Webb traveling to far north Queensland as an emergency.
While they kept it civil sitting next to each other at the fan autograph session at Cazaly's Stadium, sharing a room at the team hotel is a totally different matter.
"Lukas leaves his clothes everywhere, which I'm happy to stitch him up on," Dunkley said with a laugh.
"I'm way tidier than him because I'm a bit of a clean freak and like to keep things organised."
Lukas Webb is yet to play a senior game with his mate Josh Dunkley. Picture: AFL Media
While he likes to be prepared off the field, Dunkley's experiences at the highest level this year have taught him what it takes to succeed on it.
After being mightily proud to debut in round one, Dunkley lost his way against Fremantle when he went head-to-head with the reigning Brownlow medallist.
"I made the mistake thinking too much about playing on Nat Fyfe and he made me look a bit silly because I was too concerned about him," Dunkley conceded.
"I've learnt a lot from that scenario and now I'm just trying be myself when I'm out there.
"If you just go out there and worry about playing your role, then it doesn't matter who you're playing against.
"I reckon I've grown heaps as a player since then and I feel like I've come a long way."
Part of that growth is adhering to Luke Beveridge's mantra of flexibility, and the 19-year-old has worked hard to be a force away from the coalface.
"Playing on the outside is a part of my game I'm really trying to develop and I've been playing a bit across half-forward which has helped," he said.
"I'm taking it week by week, but I'm going try and go out there (against the Suns) and be the best I can be for the team.
"Hopefully I can keep putting my hand up for selection."
