Belief is a powerful thing.

A player brimming with confidence is a force to be reckoned with. Conversely, one who lacks conviction in their actions can be a liability.

It has taken some time, but Tarir Bayok is beginning to believe he has what it takes to make it as a professional footballer.

The second-year Eagle played an influential role in East Perth’s 58-point win over West Perth at Leederville Oval on Saturday.

In just his second league game with the Royals, Bayok played the part of East Perth’s link-up man, helping the home side transition the ball from defence to attack on several occasions.

He finished the contest with 18 disposals, 11 pressure acts, six contested possessions, three marks, two tackles and, most importantly, a feeling of satisfaction knowing that he had played his part in almighty Royals’ turnaround following their humiliating 118-point loss to Subiaco the week prior.

Bayok revealed he was playing with newfound sense of confidence that he lacked during his first year in the professional system.

“I’m way more comfortable than last year,” Bayok said.

“Last year I wasn’t really used to the game style. Sometimes I didn’t want the ball in my hands, but this year I want it in my hands because I know I can use the ball well.”

Bayok credited much of his development to East Perth senior coach Luke Webster, who is also his West Coast development coach.

He said Webster had been encouraging him to embrace his unique skill set, particularly his pace and dexterity.

“Webby is my mentor this year and he’s taught me to stay positive and on task when things don’t go my way,” Bayok said.

“When it comes to games, he encourages me to keep using my ‘one woods’, which are my speed, agility and decision making.

“He encourages me to take the game on when I get the ball in my hands.”

Adam Simpson has also been backing Bayok to take the game on more in 2018.

While some people pegged the 175cm, 72kg Bayok as a small forward, the Eagles senior coach has instructed him to spend more time in the midfield.

“At the moment I’m playing about 40 per cent midfield and 60 per cent forward,” Bayok said.

“Simmo’s encouraged me to have more of a go in the midfield. I thought I’d just play up forward this year, but he really wants me to have a go in the middle.”

Not one to get ahead of himself, Bayok knows he has to build on his good start to the season.

He wants to bed down his spot in East Perth’s league team, continue to play to his strengths and iron out the minor kinks in his game.

“I just want to keep playing consistent footy and keep trying to improve each week,” Bayok said.

“I want to do the fundamentals well, train hard and see where things go from there.”