Williamstown Senior Coach and Western Bulldogs Development Coach Peter German speaks to westernbulldogs.com.au about how the Bulldogs listed players are faring in the VFL.
Lin Jong: His work rate was terrific both offensively and defensively. He went forward at times and kicked a couple of goals. Each week he is learning more about the game and learning more about himself and he is just an exciting prospect with the way he attacks the ball and what physical attributes he has. He has given us signs of excitement about what he can offer the Western Bulldogs footy club in the future.
Tom Hill: Tom played mostly in the ruck and kicked a goal when he went forward. He competed really well as a bit of an undersized ruckman - we have mainly played him forward so for him to go and compete in the ruck like he did was positive. Laid three or four tackles, so his defensive efforts were better this week. Tom took a step up.
Andrew Hooper: Defended really well this week. We were pleased with his ability to be able to defend the small forwards. Was a little bit off with his kicking later in the game but ultimately we really focused on his defensive accountability and he was a lot better this week in that area.
James Mulligan: His best game for us this year. He made his opponent work for every possession and spoilt really well. Was diligent with his accountability to position himself defensively and also won a fair bit of the ball to be able to set up attacks from the back half.
Michael Talia: Talia was very similar - his job defensively was good on his opponent. He also, like Mulligan, helped set up offensive ball movement in the back half. We will just keep continuing to work with his focus areas - with his size and weight and strength work. His defensive game was solid.
Christian Howard: We were really pleased with the way he was able to cover the ground. Played him pretty much all over the ground but he was strong in the contest. We were pleased with the way he was able to use the ball and win it also. For someone who has missed five or six weeks through injury we were really pleased with how he ran the game out.
Brodie Moles: It was his best game back. He has had a long layoff. His 30 odd possessions were quality and it was probably back to the Brodie Moles that we know he is capable of. He has played hardly any footy for 12 months or so and to see him get back to being able to win the ball and cover good ground was positive. I was really pleased with Brodie’s game.
Matt Panos: He has come back to a bit of his best as a forward. He worked really hard to give us a good option. Kicked three goals and probably gave away a couple as well. He took some really strong marks and he even spent a bit of time in the backline as well and was able to help our defence out. I was really pleased for Matt because he has probably had a month where he was a bit down in confidence and I think that we found on the weekend that he is starting to bounce back.
Fletcher Roberts: Fletch was down a little bit on recent weeks. He was a little bit inconsistent but we wouldn’t say it was a poor game. He has set a really good standard with his positioning and ability to be able to defend and his ball use and at times he got caught out. In saying that there were times where he really defended well and was able to help set up with his strong spoiling and athleticism.
Alex Greenwood: He got better as the game went on. He is an on baller who played a bit on the wing and half forward as well. He had seven or eight possessions in the last quarter and was good around the stoppages and used the ball well - he also laid five effective tackles. Greeny is a player that we are starting to see the development coming forward after a six of seven week injury earlier in the season.
Jack Redpath: Another pleasing game from Jack. He took six or seven marks and is starting to become more aware of his role in the side and how he needs to play the big forward role. He was responsible for four or five goal assists and ended up kicking a nice goal from the boundary, so at the end of the day he has had a hand in six or seven goals. As a forward you can’t be unhappy with that. He’s making good progress.