Fletcher Roberts’ stocks are rising at the Western Bulldogs this season and Development Coach Ashley Hansen says the versatile tall’s efforts are not going unnoticed.

“I think Fletch has just been building for the last few months really,” Hansen said

“He had a really consistent pre-season, which has given him a really strong base, and an injury free run at playing each week and getting consistency - not only on the track but in his performance on the weekend.”

Despite being drafted as a forward, Roberts has acquitted himself well as part of the back six and is showing increasing confidence when playing as a close-checking defender.

“[He’s a] really versatile player Fletch, [he] can play forward or back, but has been playing mainly in defence for us in the last month, on their key position forwards,” he said.

“[He] has been doing a really good job for us, he’s been really consistent in his defensive application.

“One of his great strengths, Fletch, is his ball use and his composure when he’s got it to make the right decisions.

“Those are now starting to come out on a regular basis, which is definitely pushing him up for selection.”

The 20-year-old has impressed both out on the track as well as on match day for Footscray, as he strives to improve in every aspect of his game.

“Fletch is really diligent with his vision, with his preparation and his work, he’s got a really good professional attitude, so he’s getting the best out of himself,” he said.

“But he’s still a work in progress, and he knows that, but it’s good that he’s had a, you know, consistent run on the weekends where he’s started to apply his craft.”

Named among the best players in three of his five games in the VFL this season, has been listed as an emergency for the past two consecutive weeks in the senior side.