LeasePlan Western Bulldogs players turning out for VFL side Williamstown are being given every opportunity to shine under the tutelage of Bradley Gotch.
The Development Manager and Williamstown Coach says that the alignment is already having a positive influence on Bulldogs players.
“I’ve noticed already amongst the younger players that having that experience in senior football is having an impact,” Gotch said after the Seagulls won their first match of the new season by 56-points against Werribee.
“Younger players like Guy O’Keefe and Callan Ward look like they belong at this level. The entire development group is talented and I’m sure they will make an impact at Williamstown this year.”
While success at Williamstown is high on his priority list this season, Gotch says development of Bulldogs players at the VFL club is also a key measure for season 2008.
“Their (Bulldogs players) total focus should be trying to get up as high as they can. For the guys in the seconds that’s to play seniors and for the guys in the seniors then that aim is to play in the AFL.
We’ll keep an eye on them each week and we’ll be looking for guys to put their names up to the match committee. Who are the blokes the blokes waiting in the wings, ready to step in? That’s what we’re asking for, as many that can step up and be picked for the Western Bulldogs as possible,” he said.
Below is Brad’s comments from Round 1 in which Williamstown beat Werribee.
Jarrad Grant
He kicked three goals up to half time but the wet weather in the second half set him back a bit. Grant was very exciting with his marking and his ability to (put) pressure on the opposition, which is a good trait for a forward to have.
Callan Ward
Callan had a fantastic game and has really continued on his good form from the pre-season matches. He probably dropped a little bit in the second half, but in the first half he had 13 possessions. He didn’t kick a goal but he set up quite a few running forward for the team.
Guy O’Keefe
He was good again, having 17 possessions and kicking a goal. He probably knows he can do a little bit more but he was still pretty solid.
Peter Street
He was the outstanding performer from a Bulldogs point of view. He played a fantastic game that included 34 hit outs, 25 possessions, nine marks and used the ball by foot as good as I’ve seen by any big player in my time. He gave us first use of the ball and actually had three clearances himself. He will be right in the mix for this week's senior side with his performance.
Jarrod Harbrow
He had seven possessions in the second quarter and was reasonable in the others but certainly not as dominant. At least he looks like he is starting to get a bit of rhythm and fitness back which will get him closer to the senior side.
Wayde Skipper
Wayde got another game under his belt and it was another good hit out for him. He’s the type of player who is always going to have an influence on a game because he’s so big. He kicked one goal and missed three others. If it had of gone the other way and he kicked three or four goals then you would say he’s had an outstanding game, but he didn’t quite finish off all of his good work.
Stephen Tiller
When you’ve got Grant and Callam Urch kicking nine goals between them, it makes it hard for everyone to kick goals. Steve did a lot of his work up the ground before I put him in the backline for the second half. He understands he is going to be a versatile player this year and that will give him every opportunity to play at the next level.
Paul O’Shea
He started really well and then got a knock in the second quarter and he was off the ground for 20 minutes. He came back on and was good, but just didn’t see much of the ball.
The others
Easton Wood, Jarrad Boumann, Sam Reid, James Mulligan and Henry White all played in the reserves match and showed good signs. It was Wood’s first competitive match since arriving at the club following a shoulder reconstruction and he enjoyed a solid game, collecting about 20 possessions.
