It may be Easton Wood’s 50^th career game but the defender’s focus is well and truly on the task at hand against Richmond’s forwards this Saturday.  

Drafted at the end of 2007, Wood’s journey has taken plenty of hard work and persistence but the 24-year-old said reaching the milestone was worth the wait.

“It sneaks up on you. For me, I’m into my seventh season now, so it’s taken a long time but it’s nice to finally get there - any milestone is a nice thing to tick off,” Wood said.

While injuries have been common throughout Wood’s career, his resilience and attitude has shone through, impressing coaches and teammates alike.

Senior Coach Brendan McCartney said Wood’s added responsibility across the back line this year, has helped him mature.

"Easton Wood might actually be growing up in front of our eyes because we've put more on his plate, too, that he's having to deal with a taller opponent," McCartney said in his post-match press conference on Sunday.

"We think we've got a pretty good defender in the making there."

Wood is not feeling any additional pressure heading into the Tigers’ clash, instead going about his normal routine to prepare.

“Every week the pressure is on, it’s a tough game especially with where we are at, at the moment,” Wood said.

“We just need to keep cracking in and get our performance right.

“At this stage we’re focusing with the backline, we need to play more as a group, and help each other out a lot, so that’s where we’re at.”

The Bulldogs have identified a number of areas to improve on across the week and will be determined to run out Saturday’s game strongly.

“We’ve done a review this week of a number of things we’re going to work on and continue to address,” he said.

“So we are really looking forward to another opportunity to put that to the test and hopefully get our first win.”