Midfielder Jack Macrae says that having a stand-alone VFL side is paying major dividends for the Club, the Dogs’ depth proving to be a factor in their 11-4 start to the season.

Despite injuries to key players at various time throughout the season, younger players like Bailey Williams, Mitch Honeychurch and Lukas Webb continue to transition seamlessly into the squad.

Macrae said a player will know what’s expected of him if brought in because he would have been playing the same role for Footscray.

“There’s a lot of work behind those doors with Bevo, the assistant coaches and also Ash Hansen in the VFL in just aligning the roles,” Macrae told SEN 1116 radio.

“So you know if you’re playing the backline in the VFL that’s where they want to see you in the AFL as well, which makes it really helpful for the players coming up.”

Macrae also discussed

-          The Richmond win;

-          Clay Smith’s return;

-          Tom Liberatore;

-          Player movement;

-          Jake Stringer’s performance; and

-          Interstate travel.