Even a rainy Melbourne morning did not stop the Western Bulldogs most loyal Members and Fans from turning up to Whitten Oval in hoards on Saturday to see the team in action.
The Bulldogs intraclub hit out saw over 2000 Members and Fans attend the Bulldogs home ground in the lead up to the AFL NAB Cup competition.
Watch BulldogsTV's Intra Club Match Highlights here.
Watch BulldogsTV's Post-Match Interview with Matthew Boyd here.
A number of players impressed Assistant Coach Steven King on the day with Luke Dahlhaus, Shaun Higgins and Liam Jones being particular stand outs.
“It looked pretty hard to get a kick out there and as a coach that is what you want so everyone did their part,” King said.
“Liam Jones presented really well, Luke Dahlhaus looked dangerous and even Shaun Higgins coming back played his role really well.”
In a positive sign for fans both Adam Cooney and Brian Lake played out three quarters of the scratch match.
“[Cooney and Lake] got through unscathed which is a big tick and hopefully they pull up well,” he said.
If today’s game is an indication spots for selection in the NAB Cup will be highly contested with a number of young Bulldogs making themselves known.
“I loved the intensity around the ball and I thought the boys - without going over the line - had a fair crack,” King said.
“On training form there are probably 35 players that you could honestly say you would like to take to Sydney [for NAB Cup].”
Skipper Matthew Boyd did not take to the field in today’s clash due to a down loading phase in his training regime but is a certainty to line up in the NAB Cup.
“It’s a long year so they thought they would give me a day off but I will be right to go next week and I am looking forward to it.” Boyd said.
The intraclub gave fans a first glimpse at Senior Coach Brendan McCartney’s more contested style of play before the first round of the NAB Cup Competition where the Bulldogs line up against Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood next Saturday Night.
Match Highlights & Matthew Boyd's Post Match Interview can both be viewed on BulldogsTV's YouTube Channel here.
Become a member of the Western Bulldogs in season 2012 by clicking here.
