BULLDOG legend Brad Johnson was affectionately known as 'the smiling assassin', characteristically grinning during his 364 games and 558 goals in the red, white and blue. 

The Dogs have unearthed another chirpy marksman, with Gerard Healy dubbing youngster Bailey Dale the 'baby-faced assassin'.

While the second-year midfielder would struggle to order a beer without being asked for identification, he could also be required to register his right foot as a deadly weapon if he using it as well as he did in 2015.

"I got a little bit off my mates (about the nickname) and they got stuck into me a bit," Dale told AFL.com.au

"Everyone likes a goal, and growing up I played a lot forward and when I do get an opportunity, I like to think that more often than not I put it through."

His first kick in AFL football quickly proved what a beautiful user of the footy Dale is, calmly dissecting the big sticks on the run from 45 metres against the Dockers in round seven last year.

While he only kicked another five goals from 10 senior appearances in 2015, the Bulldogs faithful quickly realised the Edithvale-Aspendale product was recruited specifically to play Luke Beveridge's 'fast footy' style.

"The plan that 'Bevo' bought in at the start of last year is good for my game," Dale said.

"I think my best position is the wing at the moment where I can cover plenty of ground, get back and help the backline and hopefully get forward which is my type of game style." 

Bulldogs assistant Daniel Giasiracusa is a big fan, saying he didn't expect the lightly-framed midfielder to have the impact he did in his debut season. 

Giansiracusa points to the eight kilos of muscle Dale has added to his physique since his arrival at Whitten Oval as proof of the youngster's dedication. 

"He's a very quiet type of kid, pretty unassuming, but he's always working on his game and that all we can ask for, as coaches," Giansiracusa said 

"He links up well, uses the ball well and knows how to kick a goal, which is pretty important for that type of player.

"If he can work on his consistency over four quarters, he's going to be a real asset for us."

Dale was given a first-hand lesson in consistency when he lined up on his hero. 

"Steele Sidebottom was my toughest opponent because he runs so hard both ways and he's an elite athlete who covers a lot of ground, so he was hard to play on," Dale said.

"Barracking for Collingwood, I watched Steele closely and I based my game around him." 

Dale is also doing a lot of miles off the ground, splitting his time between the family home in bayside Melbourne and teammate Joel Hamling's house in the west of the city. 

"I live two or three nights a week with Joel in Maribyrnong, but I go back home on my days off and visit the family," Dale said. 

"Joel is pretty good, he does most of the cooking, I do most of the cleaning. 

Dale's growing statue on and off the field was rewarded late last season when the Bulldogs extended his contract until the end of 2017. 

With that reassurance in hand, he's eyeing a return bout with Fremantle in round one and being a part of one of the AFL's most exciting teams. 

"It's good to know the club has belief in me and hopefully I can repay that faith this year," he said.

"I want to play a few more games and continue my career as a Western Bulldogs player for as long as I can."