The spread of midfield contributors at the Western Bulldogs has been a positive in recent weeks according to Ryan Griffen, as he looks to increase his own game time through the centre against Carlton.

The Bulldogs captain had a delayed start to the season due to a back injury but with three games under his belt, is eager to build on current form.

“If you are going to be a good team you’ve got to have that [depth] - I think we are at that stage now where teams don’t really know who they have to go to,” Griffen said.

“Jackson Macrae has been running around and playing extremely well but then Libba takes the tags and has taken the pressure off other guys.

“Hopefully I can get my form up and go in again and take the pressure off Libba.”

The elite midfielder has benefited from a gradual increase of game time over the past three weeks, and although he has enjoyed playing forward, Griffen is ready for more time in the middle.

“It’s been a good move to go forward and get that game fitness and move into the midfield when I feel right,” he said.

“I spoke to Macca (Senior Coach Brendan McCartney) last week and he said play a little bit more forward and after about quarter time I went into the middle.

“In the second half I felt a lot more confident within my body and I am slowly working into it and getting that fitness base - it was nice to get in there and get the run in the legs.”