A three goal haul may stand out on the statistician’s sheet, but Jarrad Grant’s breakout performance against West Coast Eagles revolves around more than just his impact on the score line.

The 24-year-old’s intensity off the ball has also impressed at Whitten Oval, Western Bulldogs Development Coach Ashley Hansen said, as well as Grant’s willingness to play his role for the team.

“[It was] a really exciting breakout game this year for Jarrad in the context of the season,” Hansen said.

“Jarrad is really starting to understand that he doesn’t have to be a ‘mark and kick goal’ kind of player.

“His ability to create the contest and cover defensively… was really important.

Averaging over six marks and almost two goals and two goal assists per game, Grant is quickly firming as a valuable cog in the Bulldogs attack.

The versatile tall has potential to cause headaches for the opposition’s defence, if he continues to back himself in the air and on the lead with his bursts of pace.

“He’s got great speed, he’s got goal sense, he’s also really strong overhead when he gets the opportunity to run and jump at it which we saw,” he said.

“If we can start to get that well rounded game when he is doing things when he hasn’t got the ball in his hand, that is what is going to make him a good Bulldogs player.”