Western Bulldogs leader Taylor Duryea has lauded fellow defender Liam Jones for his professionalism since starting at the Kennel.
Jones completed a full circle journey after re-signing with the Bulldogs as an unrestricted free agent - the same Club he first began his AFL career with in 2009.
“You can play against someone, but not realise their power and speed until you’re up close – which I’ve been able to see these past few months at training,” Duryea told RSN on Monday morning.
“He’s been pretty impressive to watch.
“His closing speed, his will to get to a ball you think he won’t get to – he’s a professional, and that’s showcased by the way he is training at the moment.”
Partaking in his 14th AFL pre-season, this year also happens to be the first Duryea enters as a father, after welcoming son Albie last September.
“I’m motivated to play well because I want to do well in the sport, I want to do well for my team – that will always be the motivation,” Duryea explained.
“With different things in the background now, whether that gives me greater purpose or whatnot I’m not sure, but it’s pretty cool to be able to know that the little fella is at games.
“I’ll look back on those memories - it does change things that’s for sure.”
The Bulldogs confirmed their 2023 leadership group last week, opting for an unchanged five-player line-up led by captain Marcus Bontempelli.
Duryea, who was first elevated into the group last season, said there was no-one better suited to lead the red, white and blue.
“We’ve got great leaders, but Bont is a pretty special player and character,” he said.
“I’ve seen him grow as a captain since my time there, and he’s definitely one of the best captains in the league.
“Most teams will say that about their own man, but Bont is just one of a kind.”
The Bulldogs will head to Ballarat on Thursday for their annual AFL Community Camp, with an intraclub match scheduled for Saturday morning at Mars Stadium.
