OFF-SEASON recruits Jackson Trengove, Hayden Crozier and Josh Schache have made solid starts at their new club the Western Bulldogs, with all three playing a part in a 22-point win over Hawthorn in the JLT Community Series.

Trengove made the biggest impact in Ballarat, giving the Dogs a strong and aggressive presence in the ruck and as a key forward, while Crozier had 20 possessions at 90 per cent efficiency and six rebound 50s across half back.

Schache spent the first half on the bench but came on to relieve Trengove in the ruck and kicked a goal with his first kick in the red, white and blue, using his mobility to stream forward after a centre bounce.

Stand-in coach Daniel Giansiracusa said Trengove's experience and versatility made him extremely valuable to the young Bulldogs side.

"He can play three spots but I think you saw today that its ruck/forward that we're thinking (is his best position)," he said.

"He's added to the group in terms of the aggression he brings and he's really built a competitiveness around those ruck stocks.

"He knocks blokes on the chin at training and doesn't do it on purpose, it's just the type of player he is, which has lifted the standard in that area.

"I think as the game got going he really stepped up for us and we'll look for him to continue to do that next week and leading into the season proper."