Showing great poise under pressure, Development Coach Ashley Hansen said Macrae’s ability to exploit his strengths at senior level was most pleasing.
“The greatest asset… Jack brings is composure [and] maturity, that is why he got his opportunity early in the year and he definitely showed that on the weekend,” Hansen said.
“Jack’s greatest strength is his ability to create time and space for himself within a contest.
“He can backpedal, he’s got that great sidestep and can sell some great candy, which is obviously important.”
Given a taste of AFL football playing in four of the Bulldogs NAB Cup games, the 18-year-old quickly grew accustomed to the expectations and increased demands of senior football.
A seamless transition into the Bulldogs starting lineup, the 2012 first round draft pick incorporated a number of his assets into his game that have featured prominently playing for Williamstown in the VFL.
“He does that regularly, and it was so good to see on the weekend and it was exciting to see him bring that into AFL Football because we want these kids to play like they do when they play VFL footy,” he said.
“Because they’ve got some skills and hopefully they can believe in those abilities and transfer them into AFL footy and he did that very quickly.”
Providing offensive run on the wing, Hansen said Macrae’s debut performance was just a preview of what the 18-year-old is capable of, if he is willing to put in the hard work.
“Another one of his strengths is his decision making and his ball use and both of those in really tough conditions – because it was really tough conditions with the wet and the wind of AAMI [Stadium] – it was tough for him,” he said.
“So to still shine in those areas was a testament to himself and just shows the quality of the player I think he is going to be in the future if he continues to work at it.
“[He] definitely adds some polish and some really offensive ball movement for us which is important for the balance of our side and Jack brings that.”
Macrae finished the day with 16 disposals, three clearances, four tackles and four inside 50s as well as capping off his debut with a goal.
