Saturday’s clash against St Kilda marked a career best performance from Koby Stevens, but the midfielder was more energised by the Western Bulldogs’ nine point win.

Impressed by his teammates’ ability to stand up when the pressure was mounting, the 21-year-old said the composure shown across the group helped turn the game and take the four points. 

“[I’m] really proud of the way the boys fought back into it. We used some composure and really got ourselves back into the game,” Stevens said.

“That is the best thing to see young blokes develop and have composure when they’ve got the footy and really put pressure on around the contest.”

Watch exclusive highlights of Koby Steven's 31 possessions and three goal haul on BulldogsTV.

Better cohesion among the midfield group contributed to more effective ball movement from the stoppages, according to Stevens.

“It’s pleasing and we are getting a bit of continuity together and really working well together and we work to each other’s strengths,” he said.

“We’ve always got strong contested ball numbers but it is about getting the use away from the stoppage and I thought we used it well at times.”

Stevens became one of the influential players providing run and carry on the wing, without compromising his ruthless attack on the ball which he has built a reputation on.

His 31 possession game was highlighted by five inside 50s and three goals, while the ex-West Coast Eagles’ recruit’s creativity and relentless  pressure across the ground was equally felt.

Stevens said a focus to improve his endurance and speed has helped him become a more complete player.

“I’ve been working on my fitness a lot and it comes down to continuity… I’ve only had one pre-season previous to this,” he said.

“I’ve had a lot of injuries and I’m running on top of the ground, so it’s good.

“Like I said, it was good to get the win and we can’t take any limelight off that.”