It was a familiar sight for Western Bulldogs fans on Sunday afternoon, with the Dogs’ half-back line setting the tone for the rest of the side.

The Dogs recorded an 87-point win against Essendon in round 18 and it was the running backs creating much of the play, as it has been for the Dogs for much of 2015.

Young midfielder Caleb Daniel praised his side’s defensive unit for their ability to set up the rest of the side.

“We like using our legs and using our run and the footy so Jason Johannisen and Bob Murphy, they just provide so much run off half-back.

“Shane Biggs has come and slotted straight in so they’re amazing off half-back and they just use the footy so well.”

Johannisen, Murphy, Biggs, Matthew Boyd and Easton Wood averaged 22 disposals between them and were at their electrifying best, applying the pressure to the Bombers – who only scored five goals for the match.

Their ability to set up play and create options for the rest of the teammates undoubted – with ten Bulldogs collecting 20 disposals or more.

Daniel picked up 19 of his own, matching his career-high performance of 19 touches in round 16.

The 19-year-old spent time in the forward line on Sunday, slotting two goals and continued his impressive form from his first five senior games.

“I’ve got a lot to thank Lachie Hunter for, he hit me up a couple of times which was nice, but I suppose being able to run the game out, is obviously a good thing and I’m just looking to build on the tank and work hard.

“The boys are really welcoming, it’s been amazing experience obviously playing some senior footy… I’m really enjoying it and really relishing it at the moment.”