The Western Bulldogs are on the verge of unleashing one of many tallest ahead strains in AFL historical past after they renew their rivalry with Melbourne in spherical one.
Coach Luke Beveridge examined the waters within the Bulldogs’ solely observe match of the pre-season, taking part in recruit Rory Lobb (207cm) and versatile younger gun Sam Darcy (208cm) in assault alongside spearhead Aaron Naughton (196cm) and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (197cm).
Assistant coach Rohan Smith rated the outcomes “pretty positive” as all 4 tall targets hit the scoreboard, with the Bulldogs piling on 22 objectives in a 58-point thumping of North Melbourne on Saturday.
It gave the Dogs’ teaching unit one thing to ponder as they search to stretch a Melbourne back-line led by All-Australian defensive duo Steven May and Jake Lever on the MCG on March 18.
“The four talls really played well,” Smith instructed reporters after the snug win over the Kangaroos.
“At times we looked really dominant in the air, which is a great sign for us. They worked really well together, as well.
“There was a few occasions the place they flew towards one another, however that is terrific.
“It shows their competitiveness and willingness to fly in the air, but the synergy and cohesiveness that they had in our forward line was outstanding.”
Smith stopped in need of committing to the Bulldogs taking part in all 4 talls in assault towards Melbourne.
“We’ll have a look at it during the week … but just off the game (against North Melbourne) it was a pretty positive sign,” Smith mentioned.
At the opposite finish, with defensive mainstay Ryan Gardner sidelined with an elbow damage, Liam Jones will slot straight into the Bulldogs’ again six on his comeback after a yr out of the sport.
Ex-Carlton defender Jones has impressed along with his velocity and competitiveness over the pre-season.
He completed with 9 intercept marks in a powerful show towards North Melbourne, working effectively with Alex Keath and Bailey Dale.
“(Jones) read the cues of the kicker really well and he comes forward and is always looking to help out a teammate,” Smith mentioned.
“It’s obviously really handy for us (to have him).”
The Bulldogs misplaced Taylor Duryea (neck), Hayden Crozier (dislocated finger) and Ed Richards (corked quad) to accidents in the course of the observe match however anticipate all of them to be obtainable for choice in spherical one.
Keath was cleared of concussion after a head conflict with Lobb and whereas Cody Weightman did not play due to an ongoing adductor damage, the livewire ahead is tipped to return towards Melbourne.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
