CODY Weightman has developed a cult following among Western Bulldogs fans but still doesn't feel as though he's cemented his spot in the ladder-leaders' best line-up.

The spring-heeled small forward has been given a licence to fly for big marks by coach Luke Beveridge and has utilised the freedom, putting together an impressive highlights catalogue.

Since breaking into the team with a three-goal haul against Port Adelaide in round nine, Weightman has played seven consecutive games, culminating in a career-best four goals against North Melbourne last Sunday.

But it is the less-spectacular elements of the second-year player's game that are most valued internally at the Bulldogs, where is known as 'Flea' because of namesake and former Richmond champion Dale 'Flea' Weightman, as well as his 177cm frame.

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Weightman works his magic with three already

Cody Weightman makes his mark in the first quarter with three goals in little time

Published on Jul 4, 2021

"That's what keeps you in the team and that's what the team has success off the back of, so that's definitely where my focus is - the smothers, the tackles and the 'flea-like' nature," Weightman said.

"I like to have the mindset that I'm not (cemented in the team) because I think that's when I play my best football, when I'm not complacent and I'm doing the desperate stuff.

"I like to hope that I've done a few good things now that have given me a little bit of credit that might keep me in the team, but at the same time I'm approaching it as if I'm playing for my life each week."

Weightman showed his aerial ability with a pair of contested marks in the win over North Melbourne and generated plenty of hype with a huge ride on Carlton's Ryley Stoddart in a VFL game in May.

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VFL, R4: Weightman's massive speccy is simply stunning

Cody Weightman absolutely heaves himself on top of a Blue to complete an amazing mark

Published on May 9, 2021

"Coming out of the draft that was a strength of mine and since then I've been able to create a bit more of a complete game, which has probably held me in good stead," Weightman said.

"But certainly you play to your strengths at this club, which is what Bevo and the rest of the coaching group preach.

"I've certainly got the licence to jump if I feel like it's my time to go, but obviously given my stature, there's times when I've got to stay down and play that type of role as well."

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Flying Dog at Marvel worth the Weight

Cody Weightman launches himself at the footy and earns an insane grab

Published on Jul 4, 2021

Weightman said he is unsure how the Bulldogs will line up in attack in a crunch clash with Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, with key forward Aaron Naughton ruled out under concussion protocols.

Naughton was substituted out of the North Melbourne game after landing heavily from a marking contest and did light work on an exercise bike on Tuesday.

"He's in good spirits and feeling a lot better now," Weightman said.

Meanwhile, Bulldogs pair Bailey Smith (rough conduct) and Josh Bruce (engaging in a melee) will challenge charges dealt out by the Match Review Officer.

They face respective fines of $3000 and $2500 if unsuccessful, but are both free to play against Sydney.