Season in short:
Appointed vice-captain at the start of this season, Jordan Roughead was given great responsibility this year.
After settling in a backline role in previous years, Roughead spent time across all areas of the ground in 2015.
Roughead was one of a handful of players trialled in the ruck, and the 24-year-old impressed in the position.
His best output came in round nine against GWS, where he collected 11 touches, five marks and three tackles, but it was his 24 hitouts that was eye-catching.
Despite injury unsettling the big man in the latter stages of the season, he established himself as a genuine swingman, putting in solid performances across defence, the ruck and up forward.
Stat that mattered:
Roughead earned a career-high 24 hitouts in both rounds nine and 23.
What they said:
“It was a pretty frustrating year to be honest. It’s two in a row now that I’ve played a few games but the body hasn’t held up as well as I’d like it to… Hopefully I can have a really solid pre-season and come out bigger and better next year.
“I love playing in the ruck, obviously you’re a lot more involved in the game, you’re around the footy a lot more. I’ve said it before and it’s a bit cliché but I love this footy club and wherever the coaches see me playing I’m more than happy to get out there and try and do my bit for the team.” – Jordan Roughead, September 2015
“I think Roughie shows great promise as a ruckman, he had some issues with his body this year which probably held him back a little bit unfortunately. But I think he’s got the natural talent and athleticism to get himself fit enough and strong enough to be a really impressive modern-day ruckman with his ability to go forward or even be a bit of a swingman as well.
“He’s certainly got great natural leap in the middle and get his hand on the footy and he marks the ball really well.” – Steven King (Western Bulldogs Assistant Coach), September 2015
