The signs shown by debutants’ Jack Macrae and Jake Stringer in yesterday’s game further confirmed the Western Bulldogs have drafted two quality players, according to Senior Coach Brendan McCartney.

Macrae’s ability to work his way into the game in tough conditions against Adelaide impressed Coach McCartney, while Jake’s trademark second and third efforts didn’t fade out when the game fell out of reach.

“[It was] difficult for both of them to come in – Jake coming in on the ground when we were up against it,” McCartney said.

“And Jackson still, when it got messy in the third quarter, he rebounded… and did some really nice things… he’s a pretty unflappable sort of young guy.

“We think we have drafted two pretty good young boys there.”

Showing his class and composure on the wing, Macrae looked comfortable at senior level collecting 16 disposals, three clearances, four inside 50s and four tackles.

He also added to the Bulldogs score line in a game where goals were hard to come by, kicking his first major in AFL football in the fourth quarter.

Stringer made the most of his limited opportunities, substituted on in the third quarter to add some grunt to the Club’s forward line.

Stringer’s addition proved beneficial, setting up Adam Cooney in front of goals to register his second major for the day.

“We had a young, exciting player on the bench who we didn’t think was ready for a full game yet who can compete in the air and compete on the ground, so that was the decision there,” McCartney said.

The Bulldogs coach also indicated a number of players who were plying their trade in the VFL would be given an opportunity in the coming weeks.

“We’ve got some young blokes playing pretty well at VFL level and some of them are going to get an opportunity,” he said.

“A couple came in today and came in with good form at the lower level and that is a pretty good formula."