In his new role as AFL Development Manager, Rohan Smith is responsible for our young players’ transition to AFL on and off the field.
Here he gives an update on how some of the boys are tracking in the run up to the 2017 season.
Tim English
Pick 19, 2016 NAB AFL Draft
“Timmy is really good, he’s trained virtually every training session.
“A few weeks ago before we went away on camp we had a practice match and he stood out – he took four or five contested marks and a few of the older boys looked around and said ‘geez, this looks alright’.
“He’s settling in really well - we need him to put on weight but all of the signs show that he is going to be a really good player for us.
“At the moment but it’s just the maturity…the way that he goes about his game is really good, he’s professional.”
Patrick Lipinski
Pick 28, 2016 NAB AFL Draft
“Another one who has really shone out at training, he’s hardly missed a session.
“The thing that works with Patty is that he is a really good, smart forward that can go up onto the wing and use his running power in the midfield.
"He’s a really smart ball user, finds the footy really well and uses it well every time he gets it. The way we’re training at the moment, with match practice and all that, he’s doing well.”
Lewis Young
Pick 49, 2016 NAB AFL Draft
“Lewey has been really good. He’s quite tall and he’s quite athletic and the thing that has stood out for me is he finds the footy in match practice, and he wants the footy in his hands.
“He’s not afraid to use his opposite side.”
“Some of the things he’s done in match practice has caught the eye of a lot of the people around here.”
Fergus Greene
Pick 70, 2016 NAB AFL Draft
“He uses the ball really well and you can see the competiveness
“I think that all of the players drafted are competitive beasts which is good for us and suits the way we play - you can see how we play AFL footy and VFL footy.
“They are competitive beasts and they’ve slotted in nicely.
Nathan Mullenger-McHugh
Pick 18, 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Draft
“Nath is going to be a player that could play multiple roles for us which is something we really like – players that can go forward, go back and play in defence or go into the ruck, go into the midfield.
“He’s been really good, the thing that stands out with Nath is that is his competiveness.
“He sees the footy on the ground and we’ve had to say ‘hey mate, it’s match practice, just ease it back a little bit,’ but he’s been terrific, he’s a great kid.
“He always speaks up, always wants to do extras and he always wants to get better which is a great sign for me.”
Tristan Tweedie
Category B Rookie
“He’s had a few setbacks, but coming in you can sort of see that he is starting to get some touch, he’s actually really sound with his kicking technique and I’m excited to see him get out there – it’s not going to be for a while but he’s doing everything he can.
“All the kids that have come into the place want to get better, always knocking on the door, always wanting to do extras, working on their kicking, their marking, their handballing, their touch.
“It’s a great sign for us.”
The Bulldogs open their pre-season campaign against Melbourne on February 18. Click here for the full fixture.
