Highly rated teenager Ryley Sanders has all however locked in a round-one AFL debut after an impressive efficiency within the Western Bulldogs’ 57-point practice-match thumping of Hawthorn.
After a second-quarter blip, the Bulldogs ran riot within the second half as they tuned up for the premiership season with a 17.17 (119) to 9.8 (62) victory at UTAS Stadium in Launceston on Saturday.
Tasmanian product Sanders, who grew up simply down the highway from the venue, regarded snug on the degree as he tallied 30 disposals and 4 clearances.
The No.6 draft decide additionally had 10 rating involvements, bettered solely by Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli (11).
The assured show at half-forward and thru the midfield means 19-year-old Sanders is a near-certainty to line up in opposition to Melbourne within the Bulldogs’ season opener on March 17.
“It was very impressive … the second half especially he got going a bit,” Bulldogs assistant coach Matt Spangher mentioned.
“He’s an incredibly talented young man who’s had a fantastic immediate impact for us.
“He’s definitely one of many extra composed younger gamers that I’ve seen, and he definitely is aware of methods to make the correct determination with ball in hand.
“After tonight’s showing I’d say he’s a pretty strong chance of playing (in round one). He’s done everything right to give himself the best chance.
“His perspective is first-rate, and if it occurs, he definitely deserves his probability.”
Bontempelli (32 disposals, six clearances), Tom Liberatore (30, 13) and Adam Treloar (28, seven) were also influential figures in the engine room as the Bulldogs controlled three of the four quarters in a solid hit-out.
Key forwards Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan were dangerous partners in attack with four goals each, and Rhylee West chipped in with three majors.
Bontempelli and Treloar kicked one goal each, while 10-game backman Buku Khamis showed promising signs in defence.
Only a sluggish second term and poor goal-kicking by the inaccurate Bulldogs – who trailed 2.12 (24) to Hawthorn’s 6.5 (41) at halftime – prevented a greater margin.
Hawthorn’s rising midfield star Jai Newcombe (37 disposals, seven clearances) was prominent, and high-profile recruit Jack Ginnivan worked hard all night.
The Collingwood premiership forward, who secured a move during last year’s trade period, kicked two nice goals during the second quarter as the Hawks briefly got on top.
Mitch Lewis and Connor Macdonald also kicked two goals each, while Karl Amon (28 touches) and Jarman Impey (22) found plenty of the ball.
Hawks assistant Adrian Hickmott felt there were plenty of lessons to take from the loss.
“We wish to win extra video games and be extra aggressive all year long, and that is our problem,” he mentioned.
“The Bulldogs are a great facet and momentum hit us at occasions – they kicked seven targets in a row (throughout the third time period).
“But going through that as a young group and (learning how to) halt that is our aim.”
Hawthorn anticipate to be bolstered by the return of Jack Gunston and Josh Weddle, amongst others, once they open their season in opposition to conventional rivals Essendon on March 17.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
