WHILE training and playing commitments take up a large part of a professional footballer's week, it's those leftover hours that have seen some players get themselves into trouble.

One man the Western Bulldogs don’t have to worry about is forward Tory Dickson.

The 27-year-old has his hands full juggling a blossoming AFL career and the responsibility of being a single parent to seven-year-old son Riley.

"It's a massive balancing act," Dickson told AFL.com.au

"I've got a 50-50 custody arrangement (with Riley's mother), so I have him week on, week off.

"It's difficult at times, but I've got some amazing support from family and friends, and mum and dad help me out enormously, especially when we play interstate games."

Father and son share a home just a few drop punts from Whitten Oval and Riley's primary school.

The house, superbly renovated by Dickson's builder father, is the envy of some teammates, but the forward loves it because it makes their busy life a little easier.

"I'm just happy to be close to the club and Riley's school," said Dickson

"After a hard day’s work I come straight home to him and he gives me plenty of smiles."

Dickson credits a healthy work-life balance with his emergence as a respected AFL footballer.

After making his AFL debut at 24, the "late developer" will play his 50th game against Collingwood on Sunday.

And he's one the Magpies will have to watch, with Dickson a dead-eye in front goal and just as dangerous when he doesn't have the ball.

A career-best season has seen him slot 26 goals at an impressive 76 per cent efficiency, including a bag of seven against flag fancies Fremantle in round seven.

"It is something I take pretty seriously. I don’t like missing because I really pride myself on goal kicking," said Dickson

"But tackling and pressure is what I base my game on, so I don't need to be kicking goals to stay in the team."

While Dickson is content with the responsibility he holds in a young Dogs' forward line, young Riley is still getting used to having a footy star for a dad.

"I've picked him up from after school care and some of the kids know who I am and ask me how I've gone on the weekend," said Dickson

"He's at an age where he doesn't quite understand why they do it, but he does love it."