A four-quarter effort will be the message from coach Ashley Hansen, ahead of Footscray’s clash with Geelong on Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs return to Victoria University Whitten Oval for round five, hungry for their second win after a 1-2 start to the season.
MATCH INFO: All you need to know ahead of Footscray v Geelong on Saturday afternoon.
Hansen said the directive is simple this week, but it’s important his side gets it right.
“It’s a boring message but it’s just about playing the three phases of the game for the entirety of the game.
“In our first three games we’ve really had two poor quarters that have let us down… so I’d like to think they are going to learn from that and just keep breaking down into four quarters and just focusing on the next contest.”
The Dogs will be boosted by the addition of co-captain Mark Austin, who returns for his first game of 2015.
“Mark’s itching to get out there, he’s up and running and will be a valuable player for us in defence and attack.
“He’s versatile, so he gives a lot of flexibility, leadership, and experience so our young players should feed off that.”
The VFL-listed Liam Nash will make his debut for the Dogs as the 23rd man.
The 19-year-old joins Footscray from Airport West in the EDFL and is an exciting prospect.
“He’ll play through the midfield, he’s a really good ball user, loves the one percenter, the defensive side of the game,” said Hansen.
“We think he’ll give us some really nice balance in there, and his development will be exciting over the course of the season.”
Zaine Cordy and Caleb Daniel also come into the side for their first game for the Club, after being recruited in the 2014 NAB AFL National Draft.
Cordy looks set to line up alongside Joel Hamling in defence and Hansen was looking forward to the what the young defender could bring to the table.
“Zaine’s a young defender, really good closing speed and he uses his speed and athleticism to defend, good decision maker by foot, he’s going to fit in there (defence).”
Daniel had excited fans in his two NAB Challenge appearances, and his exceptional ball use will be on show on Saturday.
“Caleb has extraordinary ball use, decision making and execution is probably his greatest asset.
“Forward, midfield, especially in that half of the ground where he’s going to hurt the opposition is where he’ll play.”
