Head coach Stewart Edge reviews the 11 senior-listed Bulldogs who featured in Footscray’s 13-point win over Essendon.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

12 disposals, four marks, two inside 50s, one goal

Jamarra was playing on some good-sized key defenders, including Brandon Zerk-Thatcher who had come out of Essendon’s AFL team the previous week. The opposition defenders certainly didn’t make life easy for him, but competed well particularly in the second half where his hard work started paying off. He didn’t necessarily mark them all, but he brought a lot of them to ground which helped create opportunities for other guys.

Hayden Crozier

27 disposals, seven marks, six tackles, six rebound 50s

Croz always helps us with his experience, but he also helps us with his metres gained and vertical play. He makes great decisions around handball receive opportunities, which when you’re running straight down the ground or towards our goals can really displace opposition defenders. It’s a huge asset for us.

Rhylee West

26 disposals, five marks, nine inside 50s, five clearances

Westy played the first half as a forward and had some really nice involvements. He was critical to where we were in the game at half-time, but then went into the midfield for the second half and went on a bit of a rampage. He eventually came out of the game as a bit of precaution – being an AFL emergency too – but he was part of our crew that by the end of the day, helped us be +14 from centre bounce clearances. He was a big contributor.

Louis Butler

17 disposals, three marks, one goal

Louis played on the wing, and actually spent the last quarter at half-back. I know he was disappointed with his ball use, but there was no questioning his athleticism and his work rate.

Buku Khamis

Six disposals, four tackles, eight hit outs, four goals

Buku continues to relish the opportunity to play forward, continuing his search for versatility. He had a lot more involvement and impact in the game than his stats would tell you – four goals from six kicks is significant. He competed well when the ball was in his area, and continues to play that ruck-relief role too.

Charlie Parker

Eight disposals, three marks, two clearances, one goal

We love Charlie’s athleticism – we see him from goal-line to goal-line at both ends, which really helps our defenders. He probably would’ve liked some opportunities again, but there’s encouraging signs there.

Dom Bedendo

Eight disposals, three tackles, two goals

Dom returned after hand surgery. Prior to his injury, he had just started to get a taste of playing on the wing so that continued. He jumped well in aerial contests, but his judgement was just a little bit rusty off an extended break.

Arthur Jones

Seven disposals, three marks, two inside 50s, one goal

Arthur was his high-energy self – we love his enthusiasm. He really wants to succeed in whatever role he’s put into. There was no better example of his passion than after he kicked his goal in the first minute after half-time.

Luke Cleary

27 disposals, four marks, six rebound 50s

Luke is continuing to progress well – he was probably one of our better defenders. He also ended up playing a quarter on the wing to explore that possibility as well. He’s had a great few weeks as a defender now, and is making really good decisions. He reads the play and pressure on the ball well, and reads the flight nice and early too. He’s always first to move compared to his opponent, which is a great asset.

Cody Raak

18 disposals, nine marks, six rebounds 50s

Raaky showed some great courage in terms of going back with the flight and under some high balls. It’s a credit to him – and actually inspires his teammates. He continues to give us an avenue through our ball movement out of the back half, and his decision-making coming out of defence is an area of his growth.

Jordon Sweet

Eight disposals, two inside 50s, five clearances, 36 hit outs

Jordon’s game was actually a really good contest, against Essendon’s ruckmen probably in the same stage of his career. Both are fighting to prove themselves as AFL players, so it was a really good battle. Jordon was really strong around the ground, and it was great to watch the two of them challenge each other.

On the VFL-listed players...

Lachie Sullivan

28 disposals, eight tackles, seven inside 50s

Off his disappointment of not being available the previous week against Southport, Sully came back without missing a beat. He had a dominant influence throughout the afternoon.