Koby Stevens
Guernsey number: 25
2013 games: 19
Career games: 30
2013 goals: 9
Career goals: 11
2013 Brownlow votes: 2
Career Brownlow votes: 2
 

Season in short:

After a stint with the West Coast Eagles, a return to Victoria proved to be a good decision both for Stevens and the Bulldogs. Playing 19 matches, the Gippsland boy filled a variety of roles ranging from goal kicking onballer to centre square extractor. Bulldogs fans will recall his best match - a 31 disposal, eight mark, three goal exhibition of power and precision against St Kilda in round nine.

Stat that mattered:

A number of stats mattered for the 22-year-old in his first year at the kennel, more than doubling his previous games tally during the season – playing 19 of his 30 career games in 2013. With the increased opportunity also came a range of personal bests including disposals (31), goals (three) and tackles (eight).

What they said:

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

- Development Coach Ashley Hansen after the round 9 win over St Kilda

Pre-season focus:

Competition for spots is expected to heat up in 2014, so Stevens will be eager to stake his claim on a position over summer. Improving his endurance and running capacity will greatly help him contribute offensively, while fine-tuning his forward craft can also assist when rotating through the attacking half.

In the news: 

Dogs win sweeter for Stevens

Brett’s wrist not so Goodes

Koby gets coaches’ honours