Whether it is his offensive run or ruthless attack on the ball, Koby Stevens is turning heads, especially after his impressive 31 possession game on Saturday against St Kilda.

Traded to the Western Bulldogs in October last year from the West Coast Eagles, Stevens has proved a versatile midfield option, and his breakout game in round nine shows he is one to watch.

“Koby coming into the footy club we knew he was a really offensive weapon for us, and his metres gained was really important,” Development Coach Ashley Hansen said.

“But the best thing about his game on the weekend was his defensive side - I think that was really pivotal in his chase down of [Clinton] Jones late in the game.

“His effort and desire to buy in defensively and make an impact there as well as on the scoreboard where he kicked three goals – it’s great that he’s starting to get that balance between the two areas.”

Set to play just his 20^th career game this weekend against Port Adelaide, Stevens has made leaps and bounds in his AFL development this season, with the increased exposure to senior football.

Hansen said the Gippsland recruit’s willingness to buy into the Bulldogs’ philosophy is beginning to pay dividends and his best on ground performance on Saturday confirms the progress he is making.

“He’s only 21 years old, he had only played 18 games, and the steps forward he is taking this year have been big,” he said.

“He’s continually learning the game and the style of play that we want him to play - he’s really starting to buy into the Bulldog’s culture and we are starting to see the rewards.”

Stevens’ work rate was highlighted by Hansen, as well as his commitment to each contest, but noted that the 21-year-old needed to find a consistent balance in his game as he matures.

“His work rate was outstanding on the weekend and a couple of contests he was involved in were really uplifting for the side and really set the benchmark in his game,” he said.

“He’s a bull of a kid, he goes 100% of the time, really hard at the contest, it’s just about finding a bit of balance for him but we don’t want to stop him from playing his natural game, which is really exciting and I think we all saw that on the weekend.”