New year, new look. At least that looks to be the case for the Western Bulldogs forward line in 2018.

Saturday’s 22-point JLT Community Series win over Hawthorn provided some early insight into how the Dogs might set up in front of goal this season, with star defender Easton Wood set to explore his versatility after training as a forward across the summer.

Some things remained the same - Marcus Bontempelli played predominantly as a forward in the first half and was influential and Jason Johannsion roamed as a constant threat, but it was Wood’s reinvention as a forward that that caught most people’s attention.

Stand-in coach Daniel Giansiracusa said the skipper’s ability to play a swingman role will provide the coaches with some added flexibility in game, while his athleticism and experience could make him a dangerous proposition for opposition defenders.

“Bevo likes swingmen in his team and we’ve probably been looking for one”, Giansiracusa said from Mars Stadium post-match.

‘’He’s the captain, so he’ll do everything right, he always does wherever he plays, but he’s a pretty powerful and quick player so he’s going to put defences on edge as well. 

“He hasn’t played there much so he’s going to continue to learn, it’ll take time, it’s not an easy spot, but the things he’s learnt on the best forwards in the competition he’s now trying to put in place as a forward.’’

Wood was one of ten Bulldogs to hit the scoreboard for an overall return of 15 goals, from just 46 entries inside 50. Mitch Honeychurch chimed in for two, as did Bailey Dale and Jack Macrae, while Johannsion gave off three, to lead the Dogs.

The Bulldogs travel to Moe next Saturday to face Collingwood in the second and final JLT Community Series fixture.