IF YOU ask anyone at the Western Bulldogs about Nathan Hrovat, they'll quickly tell you about his infectious personality.

His coach Luke Beveridge grins from ear to ear when asked about the fourth-year midfielder, while teammate Jake Stringer raves about a "ripping bloke" that "breathes life into the locker room."

The professionalism and serious nature of the modern game can see players suppress any individuality in the name of a team-first approach, and while the fun-loving 22-year-old adheres to that methodology, he believes symmetry between both attitudes is good for his footy.

"Footy clubs these days are pretty professional and serious places, so if you can let your hair down and be a bit of a joker, it's a really important balance," Hrovat told AFL.com.au.

"I'll have to give Jakey a pat on the back for the pump up next time I see him."

Having arrived at the Whitten Oval in 2012 with the pick the Dogs received from Hawthorn (21 overall) for Brian Lake, much was expected of the former Vic Metro captain.

But after playing 18 games and earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in his first two seasons at the Dogs, Hrovat's bubbly demeanor has been tested over the past 18 months.

Indifferent form in 2015, and serious ankle and shoulder injuries this year have seen him play just a further nine senior games, and those hindrances haven't been helped by the Dogs possessing one of the deepest midfield groups in the AFL.

However, regaining his spot in the finals-bound Bulldogs' outfit in round 20 has Hrovat back to his buoyant best.

He sees himself as a roaming high half-forward, who needs to "kick a few snags", and with three goals in the wins over North Melbourne and Collingwood, he's holding up his end of the bargain.