WHEN the news broke Western Bulldogs acting captain Marcus Bontempelli was going to be a late withdrawal with hip soreness, Jason Johannisen and Lachie Hunter suggested a game of paper, scissors, rock.

With captain Easton Wood already on the sidelines with a hamstring complaint, the duo were the only members of the leadership group who were fit to play against Gold Coast.

"We wondered if we should paper, scissors, rock it for the captaincy, but [coach Luke Beveridge] ended up going with Lachie," Johannisen told AFL.com.au.

"Lachie deserves it, he's such a great on-field leader, leads by action and his voice direction is immense, so he filled that void left by Easton really well. Hopefully he doesn't have to do it too long."

The coach must have missed the paper, scissors, rock memo, instead opting for a different method to split the pair.

"We only had two left in our nominated leadership group and it was a flip of the coin whether Lachie (Hunter) or 'JJ', and Lachie got the nod today," Beveridge said in his post-match presser.

"Whether or not Easton and Marcus are available this week, I don't know, but 'JJ' will lead us next week if they don't."

Johannisen himself had a starring role in the Bulldogs' turnaround after a slow start.

The nine-point win was kickstarted in the second term by the 25-year-old's blistering run at half-forward. He kicked a goal and created space and chaos for his fellow forwards to work in.

Four goals in six minutes set the tone for the Bulldogs for the rest of the match and seemed to instil some belief in the young pups.

"We were a bit inconsistent. We played some good footy in passages that we can be proud of today, but we just need to be more consistent going forward," Johannisen said.

"It's always nice to kick a couple of goals, although I missed a few opportunities … just have to work hard next week on my goalkicking to try and rectify that, but I'm enjoying the role.

"The midfield get the ball going forward a lot, so you see it a lot down there. But wherever the team needs me, I'm happy to play."

Johannisen said he was impressed with the growth shown by some of his young teammates.

"With Easton and 'Bont' missing, it gives opportunities for younger players to show what they've got. Paddy Lipinski, Ed Richards, Aaron Naughton are filling big shoes, but gee, they're playing good footy."