For Lachie Hunter, football has always been a game of instinct and if the 18-year-old’s first five senior games are any indication, the Western Bulldogs have a natural footballer on their hands.

Whether playing in the VFL development league or in Bulldogs colours, Hunter has shown a knack of knowing how the play will unfold and where to position himself around a contest.

In his first season at Whitten Oval, the son of 1990s Bulldogs defender Mark Hunter is learning to trust his inner voice and build on his strengths even further.

“I think just probably backing your instincts, I think in the first few games I was pretty nervous and I was worried a lot of times that I would do the wrong thing,” Hunter said.

“Now [in my] fourth or fifth game, I have started to get a bit more confidence and just back myself in to what I want to do.”

Hunter has already exceeded his expectations for the season, beginning the year in Williamstown’s development league only to make his AFL debut and play five games. 

“I was only hoping that I could get one or two games so to play five so far has been awesome,” he said.

“Hopefully I might be able to sneak a few in before the year is out.”

Sunday’s clash against West Coast provided the forward with his first win, in which Hunter contributed with 18 disposals, five marks and four inside 50s.

“It was awesome to get the win, it was good to sing the song for the first time after the game – it was good fun,” he said.