WESTERN Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley's emergence as a first-choice midfielder – capped with a career-best performance on Sunday – has earned him coach Luke Beveridge's praise.
Dunkley defied Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn's dominance to lead all-comers with 39 disposals (24 contested), 15 tackles, nine clearances and two goals, including the go-ahead score.
The 59-gamer played in the Dogs' drought-breaking 2016 premiership in his debut season but has had to bide his time to earn regular midfield minutes.
Josh Dunkley celebrates a goal against Melbourne. Picture: AFL Photos
Not even Dunkley's strong end to last season was enough for him to start there this year, but his irresistible form has demanded he be played there.
He's now averaging more than 27 disposals for the year and is putting himself in contention to make at least the extended All Australian squad.
"He's having an outstanding year, he really is, and he's been consistent every week," Beveridge told reporters.
DOGS STILL IN THE HUNT Full match coverage and stats
"Early in the year he was probably about 50-50, forward and midfield, and obviously we had some depth through there … (but) we felt like we needed an adjustment.
"It was Josh's time to spend more time in there and he just hasn't looked back, which is tremendous for him and us as a team.
"They really need to shoulder a load at the moment and he sets a fine example and it was another outstanding performance from him."
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At 190cm, Beveridge also views Dunkley as a weapon in attack, and the coach said he was keen for him to "earn his stripes".
Gawn's predictable dominance of Bulldogs big man Tim English was something they prepared for, and they ultimately lost the hitouts 52-20.
"We plan for the possibility, or the probability, that the opposition may be dominant there, so we go in with that train of thought," Beveridge said.
GAMEBREAKER Dunkley absolutely destroys the Dees
"You're definitely at a huge advantage if you know your ruck is going to get his hand on it, because you can be adventurous, you can be extremely proactive.
"In a way, we're reactively proactive, if that makes sense, and it's part of the challenge of coaching, but it's a big challenge for our midfield at times and they really persevered and I thought did an enormous job.
"We're trying to help Tim out in there as well, because it's really difficult for a ruckman as young as Tim to play so much game time in the ruck."
Tim English and Braydon Preuss compete in the ruck. Picture: AFL Photos
Beveridge was reluctant to discuss the possibility of his team playing finals for the first time since winning the flag, but that is becoming an increasingly realistic scenario.
The Dogs climbed to 10th with an 8-8 win-loss record ahead of what seems like a straightforward fortnight against St Kilda and Fremantle at Marvel Stadium.
"Everyone's aware of your position and where you are on the ladder. I'm not going to sit here and say I don't look at it – I do," he said.
"We've got a low percentage, it doesn't help, but we don't talk about what happens after round 23 … we're looking at the next opportunity.
"Whatever the words are around what the possibilities are, and whether you dream, you hope, or whatever it is, people have got different streams of that going on through their head.
"But I don't talk about anything else but the following week to our group, and you never know what can happen."
Toby McLean (hamstring) faces an extended period out, but the Bulldogs might regain Tom Liberatore (knee) and Caleb Daniel (hamstring).
Marcus Bontempelli (ankle) played the match out after spending most of the second quarter off the ground, with Beveridge describing his effort to return as the "epitome of courage".
