Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has hailed the performance of third-gamer Sam Davidson following Friday's win over Carlton, going as far as to liken the mature-aged recruit to a West Coast champion.
Davidson recorded 31 disposals, 10 marks, seven score involvements and 639 metres gained against the Blues in a wing role, finding space and using the ball with composure in his first season as a Bulldog.
The athletic forward was recruited out of Richmond's VFL program following a stellar first year at Punt Road that saw him awarded the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the competition's best emerging player.
Davidson's latest outing proved pivotal in the Dogs' eight-point victory over Carlton to make it two wins in three matches for Beveridge's side.
Speaking on the Pick 51 selection, Beveridge compared Davidson to two-time premiership Eagle Peter Matera with his skillset high up the field as an attacking asset.
Beveridge said the early signs were "encouraging", with the Dogs having "found a player" in Davidson.
"For some of the boys that haven't played a lot of footy at this level there were encouraging signs," the Dogs coach said post-game.
"[Davidson] is definitely one of those. He had a really influential game on that wing. As he walked in, I said 'You're playing like Peter Matera', thinking he doesn't even know who Peter Matera is.
"He really stood out in his third game. Sometimes you can't tell, but you could process that during the game that he was having a night.
"Really encouraging for Sam, but definitely for us. We've really found a player there."
Beveridge has been able to trial and test a number of fringe options to start the season given the club's extensive injury concerns, with Davidson joined by fellow rookie Josh Dolan in debuting in the blue, white and red this year.
Dolan, who started as the sub against Carlton, had an impact in the final term when the game was one the line, while swingman James O'Donnell and Buku Khamis had impressive outings in the forward and defensive thirds respectively.
Young midfielder Ryley Sanders had arguably his best game in Dogs colours, while it was trade recruit, and ex-Blue, Matt Kennedy who was a shining light in the Round 3 victory.
Beveridge labelled the veteran midfielder's performance as "terrific", with Kennedy tasked with quelling Carlton captain Patrick Cripps while still managing to have an impact on the offensive side of possession.
"I reckon there's no one more satisfied than Matt Kennedy tonight," Beveridge said.
"We just needed Matt to do his best to have an influence at the source and make sure Patrick wasn't at his match-winning best.
"It felt like he was influential in that role, but also managed to help us with clearance and transition."
The Dogs could extend their winning ways next Sunday when they head west to face Fremantle to conclude Round 4.
