A ‘back-to-basics’ approach helped Rhylee West reclaim his spot in the senior side for the Bulldogs’ Round 18 game against the Eagles.
West was one of the Bulldogs’ best players throughout the hard-fought win on Sunday afternoon, spending important minutes around the contest.
Having been used in a variety of positions throughout the season, the 26-year-old had 73 per cent centre-bounce attendance against the Eagles, equal second with teammate Ed Richards. His presence around the contest was notable in the Dogs’ ability to win the clearance count across the day.
Speaking following the game, West shared his willingness to play whatever role was required week to week, but admitted to enjoying the time on ball.
“It was a different role,” West said following the game.
“Hopefully I was able to show my contested side, my hard side.
“I’ll just play the role that I’m given and will continue that into the next couple of weeks.
“But I love being in it.”
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Luke Beveridge | Post Match (R18)
Watch Western Bulldogs’s press conference after round 18’s match against West Coast
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The Bulldogs and Eagles clash in round 18 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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Luke Beveridge | "We'll set the scene for the game on Sunday"
Senior Coach Luke Beveridge speaks to the media ahead of Round 18 against West Coast.
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West’s return to the senior side came on the back of a strong performance for Footscray VFL in its Round 15 win over Williamstown.
Registering 24 disposals and an equal team-high eight clearances, West saw the time in the VFL as an opportunity to get ‘back to basics’.
Equally as important was the chance to play with younger brother Levi in his debut for the ’Scray.
“It was very special,” he said.
“Hopefully it’s the first game in a long red, white and blue journey for him.
“The development aspect of playing for Footscray and playing VFL footy for a 17-year-old in his draft year is awesome.
“Hopefully he can learn from it and we can get him down to the footy club next year.”
When the game was up for grabs, it was the Bulldogs’ big names in Marcus Bontempelli and Aaron Naughton who stood up to help shift the momentum.
Naughton’s dominance up forward in a season-best showing was one of the highlights for West, who spoke about the key forward’s ability to change the course of a game.
“He was awesome,” he said.
“His ability to leap and get to the highest point of the ball is so good.
“He’s one of the best in the comp at it and when he’s firing, we go well.
“He kicked his handful of snags tonight and he was bloody awesome for us.”
