On the eve of Luke Dahlhaus’s 50^th career game at the Western Bulldogs, it is hard to fathom that just two years ago the pacey forward was playing in the development league at Williamstown.

The 21-year-old’s rise to become one of the Bulldogs most influential forwards was swift, and this weekend he will reach his first milestone.

Going on to debut in round 12 in 2011 against St Kilda, the excitement machine has rarely missed a game since, ranking fourth in the 2012 Charles Sutton Medal and continuing to build form this season.

Dahlhaus’ talent for breaking the game open sees him often attract the opposition’s best defender each week but the young pup has battled admirably and has broken the tag more often than not in the back half of the season.

Senior Coach Brendan McCartney has given him instructions to run and harass opponents in the Bulldogs forward line and provide defensive pressure first and foremost – a task the Geelong Falcons recruit relishes.

“As a main small forward player [I try to] just to bring that forward pressure and… tackling and just basically being a little pest,” Dahlhaus said.

“I just try to do that every week and am lucky enough to play every game this year, so I am happy with that.”

Dahlhaus has been a key contributor at the Bulldogs in his third year, ranked fifth in disposals at the Club, third in tackles, fourth in inside 50s and second in goals (28).

The 21-year-old is also ranked 19^th in the league in total goal assists, as well as having a hand in 61 scoreboard influences this season.