Lachie Hunter’s second kick to goal may have gained more attention, but Western Bulldogs Development Coach Ashley Hansen says the 18-year-old’s fourth kick in senior AFL shows just as much about his future potential.

Spotting up Jake Stringer on the lead and executing the kick precisely, the Bulldogs’ 2012 father-son selection demonstrated great decision making and composure, which Hansen said will benefit the Bulldogs just as much as his accurate set shot for goal in future.

“He was really composed, he made some really good decisions and I thought his hit up kick inside 50 which was one of his first kicks to Jakey Stringer was just a really good decision to make and execution,” Hansen said.

“[He] got into some really great spots, front and square of the ball, which we’ve been needing and [which is] why he got brought into the side.

“He got one on the board, which was a great start for him.”

Hunter has shown he thrives on a challenge, quickly rising through the ranks between Williamstown’s development and senior teams and  quickly adjusting to the demands of senior AFL football.

Hansen said the Western Jets’ recruit’s form in the VFL over a number of weeks has seen him demand attention at team selection and now he has made his debut, the focus will be on finding consistency at senior level and retaining his spot.

“He started off at development football in the VFL and worked his way through and had a really great month of consistent form – so it wasn’t one off game, it was four in a row,” he said.

“So he really claimed a spot in the side through form and then came in and delivered what he had been doing at VFL level, which was getting into the right spots and then going hard at the football.”

While currently fulfilling a role as a small forward, Hansen said the eventual plan is for Hunter to spend more time through the midfield, to complement the emerging young stable.

“Long term we think he’s got the aerobic ability and the physical attributes to be a really great midfielder,” he said.

“Now it is all about consistency and backing it up and we will work with him to achieve that.”