Going into their AAMI Community Series match at UTAS Stadium against the Hawks, missing a host of injured senior players including the likes of Bailey Dale and Ed Richards was going to be challenging for the Dogs.
Losing their captain Marcus Bontempelli early in the first quarter meant that the challenge was even greater.
The Bulldogs needed someone to stand up and deliver against a potent Hawthorn midfield unit and that person was Sam Davidson.
The mature age recruit, selected with pick 51 in last year's AFL national draft, dazzled in a scintillating first half that helped the Bulldogs set up match-winning lead, ultimately winning by 11 points in Launceston.
Playing in his first official match for the Bulldogs, Davidson did not look overawed and adapted quickly to the speed of the game, becoming a key focal point for the Bulldogs with their transition.
Playing primarily on a wing, the 23-year-old starred, amassing 29 disposals for the game, 23 of which came in the first half, in a display that showed he belonged at the highest level.
His ability to be first to the loose ball meant that the Bulldogs had the ascendancy in play, while he played a role with their attacking forays, being involved in six scoring chains.
He pushed forward in the second quarter, losing his direct opponent, before nailing a shot on goal that delighted his teammates.
Davidson used his acceleration away from contests well, in an effort that would have Luke Beveridge confident that the new recruit can help cover the run and carry of experienced duo Dale and Richards.
For a player yet to debut, the 2024 Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medal seemed to relish the pressure of competing at Senior level.
Davidson, who is studying a medical degree, looked like the antidote to the Bulldogs' injury problems, settling into the team in such a short period of time and being a vital piece for their connection going forward.
Based off last night's performance, Davidson has all but booked his place to make his debut for the Bulldogs in Round One.
Assistant coach Daniel Pratt couldn't be more impressed with the draftees' performance, noting it's due to his hard work over the summer.
"We were really pleased with ‘Davo'. He held down his wing for the day," Pratt said post-game.
"He's played a bit of senior footy and, obviously, we saw the talent in him in the VFL last year. We've been really pleased with him.
"Today really represented his pre-season."
The Bulldogs open their premiership tilt in 16 days' time against the Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium.
