Less than four years ago Western Bulldogs utility Lin Jong had never played AFL competitively, yet last weekend he was best on ground for the Dogs’ VFL affiliate Williamstown - a feat that not even he anticipated.

When Jong was rookie listed in December last year the Bulldogs recruitment staff claimed he was a quick learner - a trait he quickly confirmed featuring in the Bulldogs NAB Cup campaign against North Melbourne. 

In his six months at Whitten Oval the 18 year old has risen from the Williamstown Development Squad to being amongst the best in the Williamstown senior side in consecutive weeks. 

The athletic midfielder has surprised even himself claiming that twelve months ago the thought of becoming a professional AFL player was just a pipe dream.

Priding himself on his second and third efforts, Jong describes his style as both an inside and outside player who will always put his head over the ball - he is also trying to add another feather to his cap taking on a number of run with roles in the VFL.

“I pride myself on my second and third efforts - if it doesn’t work out the first time you keep cracking in,” Jong said.

“I am always willing to do the team things… I always try to put my head over the ball.

“I try to play inside and outside and just recently have tried to do a bit of a run with role to tag opponent players and keep them out of the game.”

Jong’s desperation on the field transcends into his attitude towards his AFL career in general.

While he has always tried to compete for the contested ball and put his body on the line Jong says Senior Coach Brendan McCartney has made him focus even more on playing with that ferocity. 

“I have always tried to be an inside player putting my head over the ball but I have really tried to do that a lot more coming to the Bulldogs because that is what they really want,” he said.

“I just want to play the best footy that I can, keep improving and doing what the coaches ask me to and see what happens from there.

“My favourite thing is being able to just wake up and say to yourself ‘you get paid to do something you love’ and just being able to train with guys like Matthew Boyd and Daniel Cross.”

 He has not put a cap on what he will be able to achieve, his only goal is to maintain form and improve every single week. 

“I am always trying to improve and develop but I am pretty happy with how I am going - I just have to maintain this form now,” he said.

“I wasn’t really expecting to play many senior VFL games but when I got the call up I tried to make the most of the opportunity.

“Everyone has been really good and welcoming and helpful - I guess it is a bit of a surprise but I am not complaining 

“I would like to think that there is a lot more improvement left - I am not sure how much there is but I am sure there is more.”

Jong is first to admit that some of his football skills are raw with only four years of competitive football under his belt but believes his kicking skills, knowledge of team structures and general fitness are steadily improving.

Being of Taiwanese and East Timorese descent Lin Jong’s story was well publicised when he was drafted but six months on he would prefer to be known for his on-field pursuits.

 “After the first couple of weeks it all went away and I was just another player that got drafted,” he said. 

“It would be good if it would inspire other kids to play but right now I am trying to do my own thing - I try not to think about it I am just another player.”

Enjoying every minute of AFL life Jong has no hesitation making the necessary sacrifices to make his football dream a reality.

“I am just really loving it - I have had plenty of support from everyone at the Club and all my friends and family,” he said.

“I am more than happy - I try to think about how many other people would love to be in my position and not take it for granted.”