Respect for Senior Coach Brendan McCartney underpins Stewart Crameri’s decision to shift to the Western Bulldogs, believing it is the best move for his future development.

The pair have a long standing relationship, in fact it was McCartney who first prompted the 25-year-old’s positional change to the forward line when he was assistant coach at Essendon in 2011.

The move proved successful and Crameri has led the Bombers’ goal kicking tally ever since.

VIEW Stewart Crameri's official Western Bulldogs player profile.

A big bodied yet versatile forward, Crameri said a combination of McCartney’s presence and the promise of a fresh start lured him to the kennel.

“This was just based purely on what’s best for my football and my football development,” Crameri said.

“This is what I needed for my football to move forward, I think I need a fresh start with a coach that I really respect.

“He was pretty adamant that he wanted me at the Bulldogs… so I was I guess a little bit chuffed and I appreciate he showed so much interest.

“I am finally here now, which is really good.”

The teaching style of McCartney resonated with the forward at Windy Hill in 2011 and the Maryborough recruit said he trusts the senior coach will maximise his potential in 2014 and beyond.

“He was the one that put me in the forward line in the first place and I think he was very good at teaching me the roles I had to play,” he said.

“I’ve kept in contact with him over the years… I think he can help me a lot in 2014 and the coming years.”