WESTERN Bulldogs recruit Shane Biggs is developing a reputation as a late-season specialist, with coach Luke Beveridge exploring the half-back's versatility in the lead up to finals.
Biggs, who was traded by the Swans last year for pick No.37 in the NAB AFL Draft, has played the past six games for the Bulldogs after forcing his way into the senior team, averaging 23 possessions in defence.
He had a similar knack at the Swans for hitting his stride late in the year. In 2013 he made his debut in round 23 and played two finals and last year he emerged between rounds 21 and 23.
On Saturday against North Melbourne he was vital for the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter, moving further up the ground and kicking two running goals to seal a gutsy win.
His role change came about after debutant Zaine Cordy was injected into the game at three-quarter time and sent to the backline.
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"Zaine got subbed in and was another defender, so they had to put me somewhere and I was lucky to get on the end of a few," Biggs told AFL.com.au.
"To be honest I'm not really a goalkicker at all, but it's opened up a bit for me the last couple of weeks and I just kick and hope."
Biggs was one of the Bulldogs' most attacking players on Saturday, racking up 12 handball receives and five inside 50s, only bettered by teammate Jake Stringer.
Coach Luke Beveridge acknowledged the 24-year-old's value going into finals.
"He played in our back end for most of the night and a little bit of wing, but he was influential … he's become a really important player for us," Beveridge said.
For Biggs, the prospect of playing a final for the third time in his career is within reach and he would be one of just 10 Bulldogs with September experience.
The former Swan was confident the Bulldogs had the ability to do some damage in the finals now that a home final was all but secured.
"I reckon we showed we can mix it with anyone," he said.
"We've got a few big scalps this year and we've knocked off most of the top eight and a couple of top-four teams.
"We know our best is good enough. I know it's a cliché, but we really do."
