Patience has become a key part of Mitch Honeychurch’s game. 

Not one to waste an opportunity at AFL level, Honeychurch bided his time in the VFL early in 2017. He played six straight AFL matches from Round 13 before his hopes of landing more senior game time were dashed when injury struck and he was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

But the 22-year-old is optimistic he can add to his 22-game career tally in 2018.

“I definitely take confidence from the six games I played in the AFL side,” Honeychurch told westernbulldogs.com.au.

Honeychurch finished the season averaging 15 disposals per match, including six score involvements, and his 5.7 tackles per game placed him fourth at the club.

“I thought I was playing pretty good footy when I was in the AFL team. Even at the start of the year when I was playing VFL I thought that if I got an opportunity at AFL I’d take it with two hands,” he said.

The Bulldogs’ 1-4 year players returned to the training track last Thursday, and Honeychurch is looking to set the standard for his younger team-mates this pre-season.

“It’s my fifth year now, so I’d like to think I have some experience when it comes to pre-seasons,” he said.

“I’m in rehab at the moment so it’s quite hard to push the blokes on the training track, but in the afternoon at weights and in IP I’d like to think I’m pushing them pretty hard to do the right thing.”