A natural born leader with great vision and disposal, Nathan Hrovat has diligently gone about his business in his debut season, eager to learn and build on his strengths.

Development Coach Ashley Hansen said Hrovat possesses many positive attributes, and suggests the onballer has proven capable both inside and outside the contest.

“He’s small and he’s compact and he’s got that low centre of gravity, so he’s going to be really strong at the contest, especially as we put some strength into him over the coming years,” he said.

“Then he will be… one of those players that is really creative with his football, so hopefully extract it in a contested situation then bring his teammates into the game.

“By putting the likes of Jason Johannisen and Jackson Macrae and the ball carriers around him, he can then bring them into the game where they can bring their strengths.”

Hrovat is currently averaging over two clearances and two inside 50s per game, while he has also had a hand in a number of scoring chains, including kicking a goal with his second kick in the AFL.

While the 19-year-old still has defensive aspects of his game that he needs to develop with experience, Hrovat’s transition into the senior system hasn’t seemed to overwhelm him.

Hansen said the Bulldogs were also working closely with each of the new recruits to instil good habits and a high level of professionalism early in their careers, as they adjust to the demands of senior AFL.

“The defensive side of his game we are working really closely with him on and I suppose his off field professional habits as well,” he said.

“We are trying to really make these young guys… be professional athletes 24-7 and when young kids come in they have to really buy into [that].”