It’s the life of a running defender in Luke Beveridge’s system that Shane Biggs could spend over 90% of his time in the backline, but get collect just a tick under 30% of his possessions in that area of the ground.

It’s the evolution of Biggs’ role at the Bulldogs that’s seen those number tip dramatically from last season when they were 54% and 43% respectively according to Champion Data, and more closely resemble his first couple of years at the Swans.

“You end up a bit further up the ground [in the Bulldogs’ system] and try and get some ball around there and put it inside 50, so I think it might be that," he told westernbulldogs.com.au on Tuesday.

“Hopefully it’s not skunking out the back getting kicks.”

Biggs’ inside 50s are up this season too, so it’s a sign he’s putting his 22 possessions per game to good use.

The Bulldogs are currently sitting in third place on the AFL ladder on percentage after beating Gold Coast last week in Cairns, and Biggs says that while it’s tough not to look ahead towards September, it’s necessary to stay focused on the coming weeks’ opponent.

“I’ll say the old one week at a time, but it really is, we’ll just look to the Saints this weekend," he said.

“We always do get a good fight from the Saints, they’re a really good team. 

“They’re a team that bring the pressure and definitely against us, we’ve had some really good tussles with them.”

The Dogs take on St.Kilda this Saturday night at Etihad Stadium at 7.25.