Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has cause for optimism that his patience with Tim English is soon to be rewarded with the emerging ruckman's coming of age.
The 24-year-old produced what Beveridge described as a "dominant" display in the Bulldogs' narrow 11-point win over Sydney on Thursday night.
Without him, they may well have been wallowing in a 0-3 hole to start to the season.
English outpointed Swans duo Tom Hickey and Joel Amartey in amassing 24 disposals, eight marks, eight clearances, 28 hit-outs and 12 score involvements in the best performance of his 72-game career.
He also produced one of the highlights of the night with a big leap on the back of Sydney superstar Lance Franklin, hauling in a spectacular mark.
But English faces scrutiny from the match review officer over a heavy bump that felled Sydney's Nick Blakey late in the match at Marvel Stadium.
"He's had some games where he's had some tremendous influence but I thought he was dominant tonight," Beveridge said.
"That's important for him and us.
"When you think about the two main score origins - turnover and stoppage - he's been playing the turnover game pretty well for us.
"He's searching for his presence around the source and he gave us stability.
"He won the hit-out count, which is terrific for him and for us, and he had a big influence on the game."
English is one of many Bulldogs out of contract this year and has made it clear to the club that he sees himself as a long-term ruckman, rather than a key forward.
He spent time in attack late last season when spearhead Josh Bruce went down injured but has been used predominantly in his preferred position in 2022.
Beveridge said English's ruck preference is not dictating the Dogs' selection policy around their tall stocks as they attempt to keep their talented squad together.
"It's a really good question," Beveridge said.
"That's in the background and it's peripheral consideration.
"But like anything tactically and strategic around roles, we've got a responsibility to place our players in opportunistic spots and put the best blend out there and implement the best strategies.
"Hand on heart, I can say that it isn't because we know what we can get from him in the game (as a ruckman) other than just the stoppage."
Beveridge said English's mark over Franklin showed his willingness to help out in defence and he's hopeful the bump on Blakey won't cost the ruckman a week or more on the sidelines.
"That's an indication that Tim had some vigour in his game and hopefully that's alright," Beveridge said.
