The next generation of Western Bulldogs’ playmakers are set to kick things up a gear, shaking off any notion of the second year blues.
Bulldog stalwart Daniel Giansiracusa has been impressed by the emerging talent throughout a demanding preseason under new Senior Coach Brendan McCartney.
The intensity of the Bulldogs preseason has been punctuated by an increased focus on contested work and bulking up as well as adopting a new game plan implemented by McCartney.
“Since [McCartney] has got here, from day one it’s been about contested ball,” Giansiracusa said.
“The guys in their second year like Mitch [Wallis] and ‘Libba’ [Tom Liberatore] have gone up to a new level.”
Wallis and Liberatore lead Luke Dahlhaus and Matthew Panos in their first full preseason campaign, with all four players poised to showcase their talents in the looming NAB Cup competition.
The Bulldogs second year players will not be the only ones eyeing the chance to impress in front of the selection committee, with Jason Tutt and Christian Howard keen to add to their game tally.
Clay Smith heads the new breed of draftees who are also beginning to breathe down their necks for the chance to debut.
“Tutty [Jason Tutt] got a few games late and Christian Howard,” Giansiracusa said, “… and Clay Smith’s been pretty impressive.”
“I think he’s ready to go … I’m sure we’ve got a huge competition for spots, but I’m sure we’ll see him this year.”
The Bulldogs lineup has seen a number of experienced players depart over the past few years but Giansiracusa is buoyed by the talent coming through the ranks.
Under the guidance of McCartney a real focus has been on building bigger bodies and Giansiracusa believes the results will help in delivering the new game plan at senior level.
“Guys are a year older, we haven’t got a really old list now - we’ve dropped a few off in the last couple of years,” he said.
“The young guys have got to really start to push hard in the weights, and that’s what [McCartney] has enforced."
Using the preseason as an indicator, a number of young Bulldogs are eager to prove their worth in the senior side.
With the new breed of Bulldogs waiting in the wings, the pressure will be on in Season 2012.
