The last line of defence can be an intimidating place but with each game Jordan Roughead is more confident he belongs, according to Western Bulldogs Development Coach Ashley Hansen.

“He [Roughead]is now starting to get that inner belief that he can match it with anyone in the league and we are now seeing him buy into that and be a real ruthless defender,” Hansen said.

Ranked third in the league in one percenters and 18^th in contested marks, Roughead is beginning to master his defensive craft and show his fierce competitiveness.

“It is an art form to affect a spoil without giving away a free kick and the umpires are really hot onto the contested marking situation at the moment,” he said.

“But with Roughy having such along reach and being really athletic and having quite good closing speed, he is really starting to get his timing right in the contest and just get that timely fist in.”

The 22-year-old put an end to Carlton opponent Lachie Henderson’s purple patch on Saturday, restricting him to just two majors.

One of five Bulldogs to play every game this season, Roughead has shown he is durable and someone his teammates can rely on.

“There’s no doubt that his elevation into a really solid player for us has come from being injury free and being able to work on his craft each week and just put himself in match situations regularly,” he said.

“He has definitely got leadership qualities which we would like to think will continue to grow over the coming years and he can really be a strong sergeant down there.”