By Jon Pierik
The Western Bulldogs showed why they should be legitimate premiership aspirants, coming as star youngster Ryley Sanders all but locked in a round-one debut in a 57-point win over Hawthorn in their community cup clash in Launceston on Saturday night.
The well-balanced Bulldogs prevailed 17.17 (119) to 9.8 (62), but they did let the Jack Ginnivan-inspired Hawks boot five-straight goals in the second term. They responded well in the third term, including seven straight goals, to regain momentum and take charge, largely due to their centre-bounce clearance work, with ruckman Tim English and star midfielders Marcus Bontempelli (32 disposals, one goal) and Tom Liberatore (30, 13 clearances) dominating.
What the two clubs had in common is that they cannot afford to let run-ons like these happen in the season proper.
Ready to debut: Ryley Sanders made an impression on Hawthorn in the community cup clash in Launceston.Credit: AFL Photos / Getty Images
Hawks ruckman Ned Reeves took a heavy hit, leaving him winded and forcing him from the field. He will be monitored.
Sanders, the No.6 overall selection in his last year’s national draft, all but confirmed his debut in a fortnight with 30 disposals, including four clearances and 10 score involvements. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said Sanders is the most advanced of any draftee he has had in his time at the club. He began at half-forward, and later spent time further afield.
“In traffic, he sees things outside, in his periphery, and he follows it. He is highly skilled, he really covers the ground. For all the young guys who have ever come through our club since I have been coach, he is probably the most advanced out of anyone,” Beveridge, in his 10th season, told Fox Footy.
In commentary, Bulldogs great Brad Johnson said Sanders, who grew up around the corner from the Launceston venue, will debut against Melbourne.
Sanders is a throw-back in appearance, for he has his socks high, and dons black boots, but his game has all the modern traits.
“All the hype is real,” Melbourne great Garry Lyon said in commentary.
He shapes as an important piece in a Bulldogs’ unit which should be aiming for a flag, such is their depth.
After a club review led to coaching change around Beveridge, the Bulldogs know there are no excuses for not at least returning to the finals this season, having missed the top eight by two points last year.
They have built their game on spread and speed, and boast one of the league’s most formidable forward lines, with marking talls Jamara Ugle-Hagan (four goals) and Aaron Naughton (four goals) prominent all night.
The Hawks also looked to move the ball with speed, having repeatedly said over summer they are transitioning from a development to a performance-driven phase. Once they worked their way through the Bulldogs press, they looked good, particularly when Ginnivan found space, and kicked truly. Ginnivan, the premiership Magpie let go in last year’s trade period, booted two in the second term and supplied his own “stirring the pot” celebration, the Hawks cooking when they opened up a 10-point lead.
It was a remarkable transformation after a poor start, the Hawks booting the final five goals of the term.
Former Magpie Jack Ginnivan sporting his new Hawthorn colours.Credit: Getty Images
What you need to know
Bulldogs star Jack Macrae and defenders Alex Keath, James O’Donnell, Ryan Gardner (foot soreness) and Bailey Dale (hamstring) did not play, while emerging youngster Sam Darcy played in a VFL match against Box Hill on Saturday, booting three goals. Keath also had VFL time.
Triple-premiership Hawk Jack Gunston, Harry Morrison, emerging defender Josh Weddle and Dylan Moore did not play, with Moore recuperating from glandular fever. The Hawks expect all four to be available for round one.
Expert’s view
Hawk Ethan Phillips, having last week replaced the injured James Blanck on the playing list, was assured in defence. But the Hawks’ biggest concern is their backline, particularly as they are dealing with several injuries, including to Changkuoth Jiath and Denver Grainger-Barras.
Finn Maginness emerged as one of the league’s best taggers last season, but was used in the back pocket in a new role. To retain his spot, Maginness needs to develop his game, the Hawks giving him this opportunity.
Veteran Bulldogs defender Liam Jones was in good touch early, twice out marking Mitch Lewis, while former Demon James Harmes found plenty of the ball. Former Saint Nick Coffield is also in line to debut for his new club. Baku Khamis impressed as an intercept defender.
Key players
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Off contract this season, Ugle-Hagan appears ready to become one of the league’s elite forwards. He began impressively, booting one goal from 50m, and should have had another had he kicked straight.
Marcus Bontempelli
The Bulldogs skipper is set for another grand season, and possibly the Brownlow Medal he thoroughly deserves. Bontempelli found plenty of the ball through the midfield and pushing forward, and was pivotal after half-time.
Jai Newcombe
Arguably the best player on the Hawks’ list, the hard-running midfielder was busy and creative, having 37 touches, including seven clearances.
Nick Watson
The draftee dubbed “the wizard” missed his first shot for goal, but is at ease at the elite level. He pushed up the ground, as did Ginnivan, and reinforced why he is keen to also enjoy midfield time.
What’s next
The two teams do not play in round zero next weekend, having an extra week to fine-tune preparations for their season openers in round one. The Hawks will meet arch-rival Essendon at the MCG on March 16, while the Bulldogs face Melbourne at Marvel Stadium a day later.
HAWTHORN
2.1 6.5 8.7 9.8 (62)
WESTERN BULLDOGS
2.6 2.12 10.14 17.17 (119)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Macdonald 2, Lewis 2, Ginnivan 2, Breust, Chol, Mackenzie
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 4, Ugle-Hagan 4, West 3, Williams, Treloar, Lobb, Weightman, Bontempelli, Harmes
BEST
Hawthorn: Newcombe, Macdonald, Mackenzie, Hustwaite
Western Bulldogs: English, Bontempelli, Liberatore, Treloar
UMPIRES - Fisher, Bryce, Toner, Adair
VENUE - University of Tasmania Stadium
CROWD - 3867
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