A cohesive back six is one of the areas senior coach Brendan McCartney is focussing on this season and rookie Lin Jong wants to secure one of those positions.

The defender is using the NAB Cup campaign as an audition to bed down a regular senior spot in 2013 and believes his speed and attack on the ball could prove the point of difference McCartney can’t ignore.

“I would love one [of those spots],” Jong said.

“I did ok in the 20 metre sprint, so they (coaches) really encouraged me to use my legs … I guess speed would have to be my biggest strength.

“At times I tried to take off with the ball – I didn’t make too many runs and plays but I did try, so I am getting there.

“[I’m] still trying to get on the senior list and improve every time I am playing.”

Jong is under no illusion of where his weaknesses lie – spending long hours over the pre-season trying to refine his kicking technique – but believes he is ready for more game time in the seniors.

“[I’m] still a bit rusty, my kicking really needs to improve again but I am still working on that and trying to take the game on more – the coaches really urged us to do that,” he said.

“I still have to understand where I am at and what I need to improve on, so I am still really working on that.”

Gaining attention for his willingness to put his body on the line in a contest, Jong was one of the main ball winners in the Bulldogs clash with Collingwood – with only Clay Smith bettering his 11 possessions in the reduced length match.