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> Watch Chris Dawes speak to CTV after Friday's training session

• Match preview

Promising Magpie forward Chris Dawes believes the reason for his return to the senior side for Saturday’s match against Fremantle is due to his work ethic he has shown in the VFL, not his form.

Dawes hasn’t been troubling the scores in the VFL this season (14 goals this season) but it’s his work rate (seven marks and three tackles per game) which has impressed the coaching staff.

“My work rate in the VFL has been solid,” Dawes told CTV after Friday’s training session.

“I haven’t been playing that well.  I have been close to playing a good game but haven’t been able to put anything together.  It’s my work rate which has been consistent at the VFL level.”

The 21-year-old was adamant his experience in the AFL last season (six games) will prove beneficial when he lines up against Fremantle this weekend.

“Probably the main thing it gave me was the hunger.   I got a taste of senior footy and I have been hungry to get back in.”

Dawes has been instructed by the coaches to focus on maintaining his work rate he when he faces the Dockers defence tomorrow afternoon.

“The main thing they (coaching staff) are looking for is to consolidate that work rate I have displayed at the VFL level and to provide as much of a contest as I can.

“They (Fremantle) are a really strong side.  They have got some really good older guys.  They have been competitive the last few weeks and we are expecting them to come out pretty hard.”