No.15 draft pick Cody Weightman gets Jason Johannisen’s backing for Round 1 debut

Jason Johannisen has been impressed with what he’s seen from the Western Bulldogs’ top draft selection Cody Weightman and is tipping the “little pocket rocket” to break into the senior team as early as Round 1.

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Western Bulldogs small forward Cody Weightman will push for a Round 1 debut alongside recruits Josh Bruce and Alex Keath despite massive selection pressure at the Kennel.

Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen backed Weightman’s claims, saying November’s No.15 draft pick was already pushing his name forward for an early debut.

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The electric small forward was recruited to fit a specific need but will need to prove himself in the Marsh Community Series given excellent availability at the Whitten Oval.

Tom Liberatore (knee), Taylor Duryea (groin surgery) and draftee Riley Garcia (knee reconstruction) are the only players not able to take part in last Sunday’s match simulation in Queensland.

Keath and Bruce both played strongly as star tall Aaron Naughton returned from a serious knee concern to show he had made a full recovery.

Cody Weightman at the Western Bulldogs’ training camp in Queensland. Picture: Nathan Lay

Johannisen said he was thrilled how quickly 2019 All Australian and Dandenong Stringrays goalkicker Weightman adjusted to the pace of the game even after a strong summer on the track.

“He is a little pocket rocket. He has always got plenty of energy. He has surprised me with his ability and quickness and ability to jump. He can jump so high. He has the chance to take a mark of the year in his career. The club looks after the first-year boys but he’s doing the bulk of the work and he performed well in match simulation,” he said.

“He goes after the game like crazy so he’s been awesome. The way Bevo (Luke Beveridge) is with your selection, if you are good enough you can get a chance.”

The Dogs take on North Melbourne in a February 21 Marsh Community Series clash then Port Adelaide on March 7 in South Australia.

Josh Bruce has made a good impression with his new club. Picture: Michael Klein

Johannisen said the Dogs were where they wanted to be in terms of intensity and player availability.

“We had a good solid hitout on Sunday and played four quarters. Most players had an impact and having 40-odd guys on the track, there is good healthy competition for spots.

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“The coach was really rapt in our intensity and the way we were able to play on Sunday.

“Keathy and even Naughty (Naughton) had a crack with three quarter and Keath and Bruce had their first hitout in the new colours and they looked pretty good.

“Libba and Doc Duryea are the only two who need extra time but hopefully they will be back in the main sessions and putting their hands up some time in February.”

Liberatore’s lingering knee issues mean the Dogs have already ruled him out for Round 1.

But Keath’s return to match simulation shows he is over the surgery for a stress fracture in his leg and ready to justify the Dogs trade early in the season.

Originally published as No.15 draft pick Cody Weightman gets Jason Johannisen’s backing for Round 1 debut