Their journey into AFL could not be more different, but Western Bulldogs’ Development Coach Ashley Hansen says Michael Talia is being groomed to become the next Dale Morris.

While Talia found his way to Whitten Oval through the AFL National Draft, Morris’ path was less direct, starting on the Bulldogs’ rookie list in 2005.

Hansen said Morris’ presence on the field in Talia’s first senior game this season has already paid dividends and their partnership will help fast track the 20-year-old’s development. 

“He had some really strong guidance I think there from Moz in the back half, so the more he can play with Moz and learn off him, hopefully we can create another Dale Morris going forward,” Hansen said.

“He can just keep learning best position on field and those defender’s habits that hopefully he can keep growing in to.”

Even though Talia played four senior games in his debut year, the round ten clash against Port Adelaide was the first time the pair had played together, after Morris spent the entirety of 2012 on the sidelines.  

“We are going to expect more leadership over the years as Michael develops too, it is a bit of the passing of the baton,” he said.

“We like to think Moz has still got a couple of years ahead of him but the more that he can keep fast-tracking Michael’s development, it’s going to be better for us long term going forward

“[Then] when he has to take that key post… he can really be the general down there, with Roughy and Tom Young and JJ and all these guys that are a in a similar age bracket coming through.

“Hopefully we can get some continuity over the coming years to give us stability for many years to come.”

Talia demonstrated that he is not just capable as a tall defender but also has the ability to roam the ground and provide rebound when required – highlighted by 21 possessions, three rebound 50s and five one percenters.

“I thought his pressure up on the lead was really good and then he took the easy option with the ball which didn’t create any turnovers,” Hansen said.

“I thought it was a really strong performance for his first game of the year in trying conditions both with the environment and the opposition.

“[It is] a testament to his fitness and his athletic ability too, to fill high volumes of game time.”