Josh Schache trims down as he attempts to prove doubters wrong at the Kennel
NEW Bulldog Josh Schache is hoping a huge off-season will help him rediscover his competitive spark after stripping weight ahead of a pre-season at his new home.
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NEW Western Bulldogs recruit Josh Schache has stripped up to 3kg of excess weight as he tries to rediscover the impressive tank that made him a No.2 draft pick.
Instead of sitting back waiting to see where he would land in the trade period Schache put together a strong off-season running program.
In his final TAC Cup season as he kicked a record 24 goals in the Under-18 championships he was renowned as a power running forward.
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He burnt off opponents then with his unerring kicking converted set shots, taken behind only Carlton’s Jacob Weitering in the 2015 national draft.
The former Brisbane Lion, listed at 96kg this season, arrived at the Bulldogs this week not only leaner but with a huge base of off-season running under his belt.
In his first session the Dogs were clearly impressed by his running capacity after trading for him in the final minutes of trade period.
It is understood the 20-year-old has signed a three-year deal at the Dogs, who this week signed up free agent Jackson Macrae until 2022.
The Dogs eventually gave up picks 25 and 40 for Schache, who has kicked 25 goals in his 27 games over two seasons.
Schache is determined to prove wrong the doubters who questioned his lack of competitiveness in his second year, as he battled poor form and homesickness.
Rival AFL clubs were not only put off by his lack of forward pressure but some NEAFL performances where he had only a handful of possessions.
Dogs assistant Rohan Smith told the club website this week Schache and Tom Boyd were already building chemistry.
“We put them both together, they worked in conjunction really well and Tommy was helping Josh out with his movement,” Smith said.
“They looked really good together, so it’s pretty exciting. He ran really well for a big guy, so we were really please with that.
“Then with the skill component, you could see he is a very, very sound kick, so we were really pleased with how he performed today, and we’re looking forward to him being a big part of the footy club.
“Josh really enjoyed himself and had a really good time out there.”
The Dogs need to find new avenues to goal after the departure of Jake Stringer, who kicked an equal-team-high 24 goals this year.
It came off seasons of 56 goals (2015) and 42 goals (2016) in the premiership year.
Macrae said there was no animosity in Stringer’s departure to Essendon.
“He obviously could have done a lot of things better, and you know looking back it could have been handled a lot better in different scenarios, but he’s now at Essendon and I wish him all the best,” he told SEN.
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