Much of the external talk of the Western Bulldogs off-season surrounded recruit Tom Boyd, but internally it was another name of two syllables that was capturing all the attention.

Ask anyone residing in the football department at Whitten Oval who the best performer over the pre-season had been, nine times out of 10 the answer would be ‘Lin Jong.'

After an impressive VFL finals series, where he starred in Footscray's VFL Grand Final win, Jong was elevated to the Club’s senior list and was rewarded for his pre-season’s labours  with round one selection.

Jong lived up to the hype on the weekend, collecting a career-high 24 disposals and seven tackles.

His round one performance was a combination of faith and determination said the young Dog, speaking with SportsDay Radio this week.

“It was a goal for me to play round one but I think it’s a continuation from last year’s VFL finals I’d like to think, just kind of carrying that form and confidence to where I am now.”

On the weekend, Jong was joined by seven of his premiership teammates in a positive sign for the Club’s development of its’ young talent.

“That whole final series I guess it was about development and winning was a bonus.

“In this West Coast game I think we had eight players from the VFL finals team that played… so I guess that obviously shows a lot.”

With speed his greatest asset, Jong said the faith shown in him from the Bulldogs’ coaching staff has allowed him to take the game on in both the NAB Challenge and round one, without worrying about the consequences.

Explosive from the stoppages, it was Jong that launched his side inside 50m more than any other on Saturday night - eight times in total – on his way to an eye-catching 24 disposal game.

“It’s really good when the coaches believe in me… I just kind of had to not worry about what might have happened and just use my speed and my best asset.”