Lee Gaskin - AFL Media
“'The Bont' had plenty of midfield help as Josh Dunkley and Jack Macrae found plenty of the pill.
Former No.2 draft pick Josh Schache had one of the best performances of his 46-game career, the 21-year-old key forward kicking three goals and taking some great contested marks inside the forward 50.
Jason Johannisen and Caleb Daniel provided bounce out of defence, Bailey Smith and his glorious mullet were strong in the contest and injury-plagued youngster Roarke Smith was important – and mobbed by teammates when he kicked his first career goal after fighting his way back from two knee reconstructions.”
Luke Beveridge - Western Bulldogs Senior Coach
“Roarke should have been in the team a lot earlier in the year.
He played some tremendous VFL footy early and I just about brought him in and he got crook. He’s had to persevere and finally got his chance. Because he’s been out … he hasn’t had a sustained run at AFL level ever with his two knee recos.
He started off as a backman, we have given him new responsibilities. He’s a winger and a forward and he plays it really well. He stands up in tackles, keeps his feet, he’s very creative, he kicks well both well.”
Steve Larkin - Fox Footy
“(Schache’s) scoring return against Port was crucial for the Dogs, who were superbly served by Marcus Bontempelli (27 disposals) and Jack Macrae (35 touches). Defenders Jason Johannisen (24 possessions) and Caleb Daniel were influential, Tory Dickson booted two goals while Josh Dunkley (30 disposals) and 14-gamer Roarke Smith (25 touches, one goal) impressed.”
Hayden Crozier - Western Bulldogs Defender
“Especially in these conditions, our mids put on fantastic pressure which makes it easier for our backs to come up and intercept and to play assertive and trust each other. The mids did a great job with that, they were getting the ball forward, obviously it was a wet game, and we made the most of our opportunities.”
Richard Earle -Sunday Mail, South Australia
“The brilliant midfielder was exceptional from the outset, with 12 first-term touches and a perfectly weighted assist that paved Matt Suckling’s snap goal. Bontempelli had scooped six clearances by quarter-time, matching Port’s combined tally, while winning 11 contested possessions.”
