Development coach Travis Varcoe reviews the 15 AFL-listed players who featured in Footscray’s two-point win over the Northern Bullants last week.

Hayden Crozier
20 disposals, eight marks, four tackles
“It was good to see Croz bounce back after his episode and from where he left off. Hopefully things sort of fall his way, but he was solid. It was good to have an older head out there with his leadership too. We were pretty pleased with Croz.”

Josh Schache
18 disposals, four marks, one goal
“Schack played multiple roles for us both forward and back – his ability to chop and change throughout the game is one of his strengths. He was able to get on the end of a free kick and goal, but his intercept game was quite good too. To have someone of his calibre behind the ball, but also be able to swing him forward, is great for us.”

Rhylee West
33 disposals, 11 tackles, four clearances. eight inside-50s
“I think the game suited him – when it’s that more contested brand of footy, Westy does what Westy does best. He scraps and fights, and has that willingness to bring himself to the contest and the ball – it’s a great strength of his.”

Louis Butler
27 disposals, nine marks, five tackles, seven inside-50s, one goal
“Buts is stringing together some nice form. His running capacity is a strength – he’s building nicely. It’s not easy to come back from a hamstring and soft-tissue injury, but he’s done all the right things in his rehab which is starting to pay dividends.”

Tim O’Brien
18 disposals, eight marks
“Timmy was good again – when you come to a new club, you just want to play some footy, learn what your teammates do well and see how you fit in with the chemistry. In both of these games gone by, he’s feeling more and more comfortable. I can’t wait to see what he can do going forward.”

Buku Khamis
24 disposals, eight marks
“Buku had a very solid game – his positioning and aggressiveness at the contest was probably the best I’ve seen from him. He was probably our best four-quarter effort too, in my opinion. I loved watching him.”

Dom Bedendo
12 disposals, three marks, three tackles
“Dommy was lively after missing the week before. He had a lot of energy to burn and came with a spring in his step. He’s had a great last couple of games, and continues to grow both as a person and as a player. It’s good to see his personality bubble out a bit on the footy field too – he doesn’t force it, but it’s just all natural which I love.

Robbie McComb
No disposals, one tackle
“It was probably more of a disappointment for Robbie, given that he put a good block of work in the week before. I’m sure he’ll be very professional about how he goes about his recovery – he’ll do all the right things so that when he’s ready to go, he’ll slot back in seamlessly and continue where he left off.”

Lachie McNeil
21 disposals, nine tackles, five goals
“Lach had his best game – he obviously got on the board and kicked very straight, but it all came off the back of a great understanding of his role and how to make it suit his strengths. On a scrappy night when we were looking for a bit of class and polish, he definitely brought that to the table. It was a standout game.”

Arthur Jones
13 disposals, four marks
“Arty is another one who has a lot of personality that comes out when he plays. As a young player coming through, who also started the pre-season late, he’s been able to pick it up well and build nicely. It’s going to be good to see what he can bring in the future – he’ll be one to watch.”

Bailey Williams
Eight disposals, three marks
“Truck only had a half with us – having his AFL experience was great. Hopefully he’s not with us too often, but his attitude and application to come back to this level and execute the things he does well was a positive.”

Luke Cleary
18 disposals, six marks, four tackles
“Luke will take some nice learnings out of this game – as another first-year player, it’s about getting their heads around it and piecing together some games. The best thing is getting continuity out on the park. He brought a lot of good stuff – it was a solid start.

Riley Garcia
25 disposals, six clearances, eight inside-50s, one goal
“Like Westy, this game just suited Sunny. That contested brand, and the inside to outside capabilities that he brings – there isn’t anyone quite on the same page as him with his spread away from the contest going forward. He’s always one that looks for those little areas to grow and improve too, but it was a good, solid game from Sunny that I enjoyed watching.”

Cody Raak
11 disposals, three marks
“Having been in our system for a little bit, for a first-year player Raaky reads the play well and backs himself in the air. It’s another good, solid start from our younger guys, who are learning the gameplan and execution. It’s about building a nice form line, which is he well and truly on track to doing.”

Jordon Sweet
11 disposals, five marks, five clearances, 35 hit-outs
“Sweety had a big task with Stef as a late withdrawal – so he picked up the main bulk of that ruck work, but he just accepts it and goes about his business. He gives us a great contest in the middle to give our mids the best opportunity to explore their strengths. Sweety was really good in the end for us.”