Racking up ten disposals in the first term against Port Adelaide, Western Bulldogs emerging utility Christian Howard was rivalled only by the likes of skipper Matthew Boyd (10) and All-Australian Robert Murphy (12). 

In what was to become a career best game for the 21-year-old, his first quarter efforts confirmed the Bulldogs have a talent on their hands. 

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Breaking a number of personal bests in his first senior game since a knee injury sidelined him in round 1, Howard felt more than comfortable in his return to AFL footy. 

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“I felt really good down [back] and it was the same six pretty much the whole day,” Howard said. 

“I started the game really well - had a really good first quarter then died a little after that.

“I spent a bit more time on the bench, I think they worried about how much game time I had because I hadn’t played a whole lot of footy.

“I think I just went back to trying to lock down on my opponent, which is pretty important and we didn’t get a whole lot of goals kicked on us which was good.”

While Howard’s focus was on his direct opponent in the second and third terms he regained momentum in his own game in the final quarter collecting six possessions, three rebound 50m and three marks. 

In more positive signs for the Bulldogs future, the cohesion between Howard, Murphy and fellow back man Easton Wood out of the defensive half was instrumental in the Bulldogs win. 

“It just felt really good the run off the half back - Murphy is really good for that. He is the general down there and he barks orders at us,” Howard said.

“I think that is the best I have seen it this year. 

Eyeing a shift onto the wing in the future, the Glenelg recruit believes his exposure in the defensive half will put him in good stead - adding versatility to his game. 

Looking at the ability of midfielder Daniel Cross to drop back and assist in the back half is how Howard sees his role developing in the future. 

“I think I will be playing predominantly as a wingman but I think it is good that I can go back and play back if need be,” he said. 

“[Brett Montgomery] talks about it as being the seventh defender basically.

“I think once we get those [injured] defenders back then Crossy will be playing more in the midfield than he is now and then I will be able to do that as well.”

His time down back is also allowing him to improve his defensive game and contested ball skills leading him to a personal best five tackles on Sunday - an area which he previously considered a weakness. 

“I had a few good tackles on the weekend but I think the main thing is continuing that this week and in the weeks to come,” Howard said. 

“I just want to keep improving with those contested ball areas and my defence. 

“I think it has come a long way since I was playing in the under 18s, it has definitely come a long way… but the main goal would obviously be to stay in the team for the rest of the year because that is where the improvement is going to come.”

As for lining up against Brisbane Lions on Saturday, Howard is quietly confident - he is also looking forward to seeing an old time Glenelg team-mate Jack Redden out on the field. 

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“We have done plenty of homework on them this week and they play similar to Port. We have done the preparation and we are ready for them - I think we are a good chance,” he said. 

“They have a few small forwards that are pretty quick and pretty smart so I think it will be a good challenge for us.

“No doubt the messages [to Redden] will start flying around soon. I always see him when I go home and there is always plenty of banter. 

“I only see him pretty much in the off season it will be good because he was always one of the best players in our school team so it will be good going up against him.”

Picked up with the Bulldogs first round selection in the 2009 AFL National Draft (pick 15 overall), Howard is keen to string a number of solid performances together starting this weekend against the Lions. 

While it may have taken Howard a couple of pre-seasons to demand his place in the starting 22 he is now looking to repay the faith of those who have always backed him.

“I am looking forward to the week coming and I think, like the Club has been patient with me, fans have probably been patient with me too and I would like to start repaying the faith,” he said.