ONLY eight games into his AFL career and Jaeger O'Meara already has his coach lost for words.

Following the teenager's most eye-catching display of his infant career against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna was asked to describe his influence.

After all, in just eight matches, O'Meara has played as an inside ballwinner, a tagger and in the 32-point win over the Bulldogs, a hard-running outside midfielder.

He had 26 disposals – second only to skipper Gary Ablett's 31 – and an amazing left-footed goal in the third quarter as he was being slung to the ground.

The goal helped turn the match in Gold Coast's favour.

Not wanting to fuel the hype on arguably his most prized young possession, McKenna grasped for the right plaudits.

"I shouldn't say that," McKenna said, while pondering an answer. "I know it'll be a headline."

But when he did come around to finding the right words, it was high praise indeed.

"He's certainly added some pace, composure. He makes decisions like a 100-game player already," McKenna said.

Not only is he averaging 20 disposals, five tackles and almost one goal per game, but it's O'Meara's versatility and professionalism that impresses everyone.

He can win his own ball, uses it well on both sides, and as seen by his third-quarter bump on Brett Goodes that led to an Aaron Hall goal, doesn't mind throwing his weight around.

McKenna said O'Meara came to the club 18 months ago as an almost finished product.

"He trains with AFL intensity and he plays with AFL intensity. He's certainly livened up the joint."

Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting