DRAFTEE Mitch Wallis has thrown down the challenge to his more experienced teammates for a berth in the Western Bulldogs' midfield with an impressive performance in the Dogs' intra-club match on Saturday.

The 18-year-old, who was snapped up under the father-son rule last year, shone alongside a fit and firing Shaun Higgins during a hit-out played in swirly conditions.

Wallis' performance, highlighted by a passage of play that saw him win a centre clearance and hit Barry Hall on the chest for one of his four goals, prompted coach Rodney Eade to predict a senior debut for him and fellow draftee Tom Liberatore was on the cards this year.

"[Wallis] is doing well. He's trained very well over the summer and you can tell physically he's ready to go and I think certainly mentally," he said.

"It's up to him to find a spot in there, which he'll be pushing for, there's no doubt.

"[Wallis and Liberatore] could get games this year. I don't know about round one because it's a fairly strong midfield at this stage, but you get injuries and there's going to be form fluctuations. I've got no doubt they can play senior footy this year."

The match was played between two relatively even sides, with Brian Lake, Adam Cooney, Robert Murphy, Sam Reid, Ed Barlow and Ryan Hargrave absent.

Hall and Daniel Giansiracusa (also four goals) hit the scoreboard while Ayce Cordy played in defence, Will Minson went up against Ben Hudson in the ruck and Jordan Roughead lined up in attack.

Higgins, who was crunched at the end of the first quarter but returned early in the second, appeared completely recovered from the thyroid problem that sidelined him late last season.

Flamboyant draftee Zeph Skinner was a crowd favourite with his high leaping styler but was let down on occasion by his disposal by foot.

"I was pleased not so much about the style of play as such but some things we've put into place over the summer - the intent was there," Eade said.

"It was more about individuals getting a kick."

Hall, who recently turned 34, played the whole game and looked a picture of fitness.

"He's had a pretty good pre-season. He's had a few little niggles, like most of the guys have at certain stages once we've increased the intensity," Eade said.

"He certainly hasn't lost his pace and that's the most pleasing thing. For a guy his age, he does train hard and he puts a lot of pressure on himself as far as performance on the track and on the field.

"From our point of view, we're pleased with what he did today."

Eade conceded the conditions made it tricky for forwards such as Jarrad Grant and Liam Jones, who didn't get a lot of the ball.

Patrick Veszpremi, Nathan Djerrkura and Justin Sherman got through unscathed without starring, although the latter impressed in the first quarter when he ran down Hall.