Key defender Zaine Cordy has put his hand up for a senior recall after a strong performance on his return from injury.
The 23-year-old had not featured since round 11 due to a pectoral injury, however he was among the Bulldogs’ best in a Saturday scratch match against the Geelong Cats.
“I thought he was probably our best player, Zaine,” coach Daniel Giansiracusa said.
“Any time it came in, he was either able to intercept the ball through great positioning and bodywork, or produce some big spoils to come off and support his teammates in the air. He did everything we asked of him.”
The Bulldogs had 20 players feature throughout the scratch match and finished strongly. Fergus Greene led the way on the scoreboard against the Cats with three majors, as the Bulldogs ran out 11.9 (75) to 7.4 (46) winners.
Matt Suckling also returned from injury, kicking two goals, while Taylor Duryea had his first run for 2020 after being hampered by a persistent quad injury.
“Suckers was probably a bit slow to start, but when the ball’s in his hands something good usually happens,” Giansiracusa said.
“We got two quality finishes from him and I was really pleased with his second half.
“Doc’s a real coach out on the field, so for guys like Lachie Young, Louis Butler and Buku Khamis to have his voice and instruction is great.
“By his own admission, he was trying to figure out how to play footy again because he hasn’t played for a while. But as the game went on, his class shone through and he had a pretty big impact for us.”
Giansiracusa also praised the impact of key forward Josh Schache, who kicked two goals.
“It was pleasing to see ‘Schach’ have an impact in his third game back from a few weeks off with groin issues,” he said.
“He provided a focal point for us and when he gets his hands on the footy he’s pretty smooth with what he can do with the ball. It was good to see him get off his opponents, show some physicality and kick a couple of goals.
“He’s been able to have some ruck time as well, and even though that’s not his primary position, he was able to get his hands on the footy and follow-up.”
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.2 3.5 5.6 11.9 (75)
GEELONG CATS 1.1 4.2 4.4 7.4 (46)
Goals: Greene 3, Schache 2, Suckling 2, Garcia, Gowers, R. Smith, Weightman
