Western Bulldog Daniel Pearce was an eager student in a football master-class on Saturday night against Carlton - lining up against the likes of Carlton dynamo Jeff Garlett.
It was a sharp learning curve for Pearce, given the call up for just his third senior AFL game but he is much better for the experience.
Watch match highlights from last Saturday's clash between the Bulldogs and Blues on the media player above.
Providing run and carry out of the Bulldogs defensive half with two rebound 50m, Pearce put in a solid performance with ten disposals at 90% efficiency and six marks to his name.
While Carlton’s pacey forwards caused headaches for the Bulldog defensive line, the 19 year-old learned first-hand where he needs to set the bar to compete at elite level.
View Daniel Pearce's player profile and season stats.
“I need to get faster,” Pearce said.
“He is a very quick player and I just need to get smarter with my body positioning and be more physical to knock them off and get him tired through that - I will hit the pre-season hard.
“Every game is another learning curve for me and I just want to get better and help the team out.
“I will review it and look at the vision and pick apart where I can get better.”
View the match report and BulldogsTV highlights from Saturday night's match.
The teachings from Robert Murphy and Brian Lake in the back six has been influential on game day for Pearce as he continues to adjust to senior AFL level.
The 2011 draftee was grateful for their consistent feedback and guidance on the footy field against Carlton, as he strived to get the better of his more experienced opponent.
“People like Brian Lake and Robert Murphy, I am trying to soak as much up from them to help move us forward,” he said.
The 18 point defeat at the hands of Carlton was a disappointing result for the highly competitive Dogs outfit after leading at the first three changes.
“As a team I think we were really good in the first half - up until three quarter time even, but it just ran away from us in the end,” he said.
