A two goal haul topped off arguably a career best game for exciting forward Zephaniah Skinner yesterday against Richmond at the MCG.

The West Australian recruit was unlucky not to make it three goals after his third attempt was determined to have hit the post after being referred to the video referee - but that hasn’t stopped the spring in his step.

The 23-year old was happy to play out his second full game, buoyed by the fact that his hard work in the past two seasons is beginning to pay off.

Watch highlights of Zephaniah Skinner's game against Richmond on the media player above.

“I have been working on being a good player without the footy since last pre-season and it is starting to pay off,” Skinner said.

“I just have to balance it out with my attack - my defensive work went alright but I just have to do it for the four quarters, every time the ball is near me.

“You just have to do your work early, make smart decisions and everything will go your way, I guess.”

Known creativity in the forward line, Skinner was much improved in his fifth career game - predominantly assisting in the forward line and providing a chop out for ruckmen Will Minson and Tom Campbell when required.

Honing his ruck skills in the VFL this year, the 189cm forward is enjoying the challenge of using his impressive leap to expose the much taller ruck opponents and increasing his versatility on game day.

“We didn’t have many talls at Williamstown… just been helping the ruckman and playing in the ruck. I went alright,” he said.

“I like playing in the ruck because it gets me into the game more - I can use my leg speed and try to help outnumber in every contest - keeps me around the footy.”

As for the rest of the year Skinner is hopeful of retaining his place in the starting 22 and improving on his defensive efforts.

“I’ve been working on my forward pressure and being a good player without the footy and pattern runnings - and what I have been drafted to do, taking them big marks and kicking goals,” he said.

“But that will come back off my pressure and my second efforts, just have to do the hard work first.

“Hopefully I’ll play more AFL games and build my tank up and finish the season well - I still have a long way to go but it is starting to show.”