First year player Mitch Honeychurch is making a case for senior selection after yet another impressive performance for the Footscray Bulldogs this week.

Named among Footscray’s best players in consecutive weeks, Honeychurch has impressed in a dual midfield and forward role, particularly with his love of the contest and pressure acts.

Development Coach Ashley Hansen said the 19-year-old had shown a real desire to get better and is beyond his years with his approach to football.

“His tenacity around the ball, his intensity, his appetite for the contest are all really high and he’s really led the way for such a young man… for our VFL in all of those areas,” Hansen said.

“[He] had a really good game on the weekend, not only gathering possessions but also his tackling count.

“His ability to apply pressure on the opposition and then get forward and be creative with his hands for teammates has been really valuable.”

While small in stature, Honeychurch hasn’t shied away from the physical side of the game – in fact, when the game was at its hottest, the teenager shone the brightest.

“He’s a small forward but also has got the ability to go into the midfield, really loves a contested ball situation, really good with his hands in tight,” he said.

“That’s what has probably been his highlights through his playing so far.”

Hansen said the Bulldogs’ third selection in the 2013 draft hasn’t put a foot wrong in his young career to date and is adjusting to the life of an AFL footballer well.

“He’s a great little package, Mitchy so far, really been impressed on how he’s taken on the professional habits required to play at the level and how much he’s really applying himself,” he said.