Sharpshooter Tory Dickson is hopeful his tough luck with injuries is a thing of the past.
The dangerous forward has been restricted to just 17 AFL matches over the past two years, after establishing himself as one of the Bulldogs’ most potent avenues to goal with 90 majors across the 2015-16 period.
Dickson slotted three goals in a VFL practice match on Sunday, to be among the Bulldogs’ best as the temperature soared towards 35 degrees at VU Whitten Oval.
“It was good to get through a game unscathed,” Dickson told westernbulldogs.com.au.
“I felt really good. I’ve probably had the best pre-season I’ve had in a long time with no niggles and no injuries. The hamstrings and groins are all cherry ripe at the moment.
“I was happy with the game, playing a wing-forward role.”
Dickson said it had been nice to get some continuity into his training after the past couple of years, as he looks to feature consistently for the Bulldogs in 2019.
“I sort of said to myself prior to the pre-season to make sure I could get through the whole pre-season and get a really good base under me,” Dickson said.
“It’s onwards and upwards, so hopefully I can stay on the park and play some good footy.
“My game’s built on pressure, and I guess off that I hit the scoreboard. If I can get that going, that’s how I play my best football.”
Dickson wasn’t the only Dog to impress on Sunday against Box Hill, with Josh Schache (three goals), Fergus Greene and Lewis Young among a group of players who had an impact.
It was also a first hit-out in red, white and blue for draftees Rhylee West, Ben Cavarra and Lachie Young.
“I really noticed Lachie down in the back line… He came off and supported the back line enormously, he was great,” Dickson said.
“Benny had a good game all-round, but I really noticed him in the last quarter. Even in the midfield, he was really electric in there.
“It was good from everyone, everyone had their moments.
“The team gelled quite well – we were probably a little scrappy early on, but after that everyone kicked into gear and we played some good footy.”
VFL Practice Match
Sunday 3 March
VU Whitten Oval
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 1.0 5.1 9.2 14.2 (86)
BOX HILL HAWKS 1.5 2.7 6.10 6.10 (46)
Goals: Dickson 3, Schache 3, Cavarra 2, Greene, Hayes, Gardner, Roberts, Jackson, Gleeson
