The pressure and expectation of the big stage has never seemed to phase Lachie Hunter, in fact it would be easy to forget the nonchalant 19 year-old has just 11 AFL games watching his composure with ball in hand.

Debuting with 19 disposals and one goal against Richmond in round 13 last year, his confidence at AFL level since has been a distinguishing feature for someone in the formative stages of their AFL journey.

Missing just two senior games since first running out in the hoops, Hunter says he's feeling an even greater freedom in his game with the benefit of a full pre-season with the playing group behind him.

“You know what is expected and you have the confidence to do those things now - hopefully I can keep getting a game,” Hunter said.

“Being a second year player now… you know everyone a bit better and you are just a bit more comfortable with how you are playing.

“I think that just translates out into the game and you can see that, whether it be on the scoreboard or just tackles or touches.”

On the stats sheet alone, the translation is evident.

Averaging 21 disposals, four inside 50s and almost three score involvements per game, Hunter has been a consistent contributor across the NAB Challenge and opening home and away season matches.

Looking forward to the Richmond game - the same team he debuted against  - Hunter said the Bulldogs were looking to bring the intensity displayed in the first three quarters against the Kangaroos to the full contest against the Tigers.

“It’s just mainly to do the things that we did in the first three quarters – we did all the things that we wanted to do,” Hunter said.

“We were really good around the ball and hard at it and we just let that slip away in the last quarter and kind of let the game go.

“We controlled the game for a fair bit of it and then just let it go in the last quarter – so just a four quarter effort this week [is the focus].”