Just ask Jordan Roughead.
The young Western Bulldog has spent the first two rounds bravely containing Jonathan Brown and Matthew Pavlich.
He can claim victory in his performances so far, and is fast-becoming a quality defender.
But there's no rest for the wicked, and Roughead is likely to line up on Jack Riewoldt on Sunday, with the Tigers spearhead fresh off last Friday's seven-goal haul against St Kilda.
"We haven't spared him," Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney admits.
"Every time we've played him, he's been on a high-quality opponent, and you probably get that as a young full-back. There's no easy way to do it.
"Every time you dwell on something like that there's another good opponent waiting this week, and another one the week after. That's why the life of an AFL full-back is treacherous at times."
Roughead is reaping the rewards of a big pre-season campaign, learning the craft off Dogs stalwarts like Dale Morris.
"He's progressing well. He's a good young fella. He's probably had the most impressive summer of anyone here," McCartney said.
"He's just knuckled down and he's training. [With] the confidence that comes with it, he's in for a good career."
The 22-year-old has the good fortune of having Geelong champion Matthew Scarlett as a mentor to glean insight and advice, and he's clearly impressed Scarlett.
The triple premiership player was full of compliments for Roughead this week, telling Fox Footy's Open Mike program this week that the full-back is "going to be one of the best key position players in the league, even from this year".
"It's good feedback. He doesn't give out praise that often, Matthew," McCartney smiles.
Jacqui Reed is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @JacquiReedAFL
