Playing a lock down role in the Western Bulldogs back six over the past fortnight, Austin dependability has been crucial in the recent wins against Carlton and Adelaide.
View Mark Austin's player profile and season statistics.
“[Austin] has been fantastic the last couple of weeks… he’s been really tight, [and has] been really credible against his opponents,” Development Coach Ashley Hansen said.
“Then when he has got the football, he has been really consistent with his ball use… [he has] just really fitted into our back six mix really well.”
The mature-aged rookie, who gained his AFL start at Carlton has shown vast improvement this season, which Hansen attributes to his maturity and willingness to keep learning.
“He is now starting to have that inner belief that he belongs at the level and can compete with the best,” he said.
“It is a credit to him to have the mental strength, the mental toughness, to come in and say ‘OK I am playing AFL footy but it is no different to VFL, I am going to play my role for the team’ and really buy into that.”
While injuries have plagued the defender in previous seasons, Austin has played every game this year and the increased game time is paying dividends.
The 23-year-old is one of just two Bulldogs listed player to feature in the Seagulls best players list on six or more occasions and firmly deserved his selection into the senior side in round 20.
“Since going back to Williamstown he has really locked down a defensive post and has probably been their best defender for the majority of the year,” Hansen said.
“Off the back of good form and performing week in and week out, the match committee had a lot of confidence to pick him.”
