WHEN the Western Bulldogs half-back line was hit by injury early in the season, it seemed strange that talented playmaker Lukas Webb wasn't required to help fill the void.
Webb, 20, had displayed the key attributes of the modern-day running defender across 10 games in his first season last year, with his foot skills and sound decision-making reminiscent of Robert Murphy and then injured teammates Jason Johannisen and Matthew Suckling.
But there was method in Luke Beveridge's strategy, with Webb held back in the VFL - despite great form - as the bigger picture was firmly in the second-year coach's mind.
"'Bevo' spoke to me at the start of the year and wanted me to develop my game as an inside midfielder and as a forward," Webb told AFL.com.au.
"I was aware that I wasn't going to be considered to fill those spots in the backline, so I wasn't too fussed with not playing there.
"I think it's been really good for my footy."
Webb's development received the ultimate litmus test when he was selected for his first game of 2016 last week to face the finals-hardened Sydney Swans on the tight confines of the SCG.
He didn't look out of place as two of the AFL's best contested-ball teams went head-to-head in one of the matches of the season.
"The heart is still pumping (because) it was a great win and great to be apart of it," said Webb, who collected 14 possessions in the Dogs' four-point win.
"It was a really good time to come back into the side.
"I'd like to play in the midfield long-term, so I'll see where it takes me."
While the clash with the Swans reinforced Webb's desire to match it with the game's best on-ballers on a weekly basis, the Bulldog understands he faces a battle to secure a spot in one of the League's best midfields.
Ahead of him are Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Mitch Wallis and Liam Picken – key cogs in the AFL's best contested-ball combination.
"We're got a really good list of inside midfielders including 'Wally', 'Libba', 'Picko' and 'Bonti', so that's why it's been pretty tough to get a game," he said.
"Our inside mids really lead our team and they've been teaching me little tricks here and there to get better at being tough, resilient and putting your head over the footy."
The pressure for Webb to get a game isn't just coming from the Dogs' midfield stars, it's also coming from the latest litter of pups to arrive at Whitten Oval.
While Webb was biding his time in the VFL in round one, childhood friend and fellow hard nut Josh Dunkley was making his AFL debut just five months after arriving at the club.
"We went to school together, we played footy together and now we sit next together in the looker room," Webb said.
"It's testament to how far he has come to play seniors straight away and to show his strengths against bigger and stronger blokes.
"For Josh to be drafted to the Dogs is just amazing because we're really good mates."
