Entering his third AFL season, Lachlan Hunter says he’s ready to cement his spot in the Bulldogs senior side and become a regular contributor.

The 20-year-old played 14 games in 2014 but many of those were spent as the substitute and Hunter says he is itching to put in a more consistent season.

“This is probably the season that I need to step up now, and I’d like to think I could play most games for this year and have a big impact for the team,” said Hunter speaking with RSN Radio on Monday.

Hunter, who spent much of last year across half forward, says he is looking forward to more time up the ground to add further attributes to his game.

“I think I’ll be rotating a bit more this year through midfield and forward and maybe even off the half back every now and then.”

Hunter averaged 14 disposals in 2014 but showed he can be a ball winner if required, with a 24-possession game against West Coast in the Club’s round one loss.

Hunter says it’s that skill that has him hungry to spend more time in the midfield.

“That’s always been a strength I try and show in my game, and I think it’s easier to show when you go into the midfield because obviously you spend more time around the ball and more time with the ball in your hands.”

With Luke Beveridge implementing a game plan that Hunter believes plays to his strengths, the young Dog says he’s excited by the responsibility and opportunity the young players are being given to take the game on.

“It’s not going to come from Bob (Murphy) or Boydy (Matthew Boyd) or those blokes this year, it’ll come from the younger boys stepping up and lifting the team.”