Playing forward in his first year at the Kennel, Patrick Veszpremi is now embracing his new found role off half back in 2012, relishing the chance to learn from All-Australian back men Robert Murphy and Dale Morris.

Tempering his attacking instincts has been one of the bigger challenges for Veszpremi this pre-season, adjusting to a new defensive mindset to suit Senior Coach Brendan McCartney’s accountable game style.

“It has been different. I am still learning. I am starting at the basics and really trying to change my forward mentality which is all flare all trying to get the footy,” Veszpremi said.

Veszpremi collected 19 possessions and three marks in the Bulldogs win against Carlton in Round 2 of the NAB Cup after being substituted into the game late in the first half.

After blowing out the cobwebs in NAB Cup Round 1, the 22 year-old suggested the Bulldogs’ new playing structures should have been more obvious for the Club’s Members and Fans against the Blues.

“The boys put up a really good fight - the fans will see our game plan is starting to come into play,” Veszpremi said.

“I think our contested footy is really coming up more, whereas last year we were more of a running team like rebounding from defence.

“Definitely today was a step in our path towards Round 1.”

The Bulldogs take on North Melbourne in Ballarat on Sunday in Round 3 of the NAB Cup in what is likely to be the final hit out for both teams before season proper.