The Western Bulldogs had a number of strong performers in a Sunday afternoon scratch match against the Gold Coast Suns.

Ryan Gardner, Rhylee West, Ben Cavarra and Fergus Greene led the way for the Bulldogs, whose side also featured a couple of Richmond players and a rotating Sun.

Greene snared four goals, with West and Lachie Young the other Bulldogs to impact the scoreboard.

Draftee Riley Garcia played his first game as a Bulldog, featuring in the first quarter as a first step back from his ACL injury.

Coach Daniel Giansiracusa said it was pleasing to get a full game under his players’ belts, after a week off between scratch matches.

“It was great to get 80 minutes of game time into the boys… they were really craving a proper hit-out,” he said.

“The conditioning element of getting game time into guys is essentially what we’re looking for at the moment, while still trying to develop them so they’re ready when they get an opportunity at senior level.”

Lachie Hunter, who is unavailable for AFL selection at the moment due to personal reasons, also featured in the scratch match.

“We played him inside, and he probably looked better inside than outside, where we’ve become accustomed to seeing Lach,” Giansiracusa said.

Daniel Giansiracusa on Ryan Gardner…
“I thought Gardy was really solid. He’s got the ability to read the ball coming in and usually in these games it’s in a bit more space. He was really assertive with his mindset and was willing to come off his opponent and support for his teammates. That’s his second game back now from a minor calf injury.” 

Rhylee West…
“He started forward, because it’s probably more likely if he comes into the senior side he plays forward with the way our midfield is set up. It was good to see him hit the scoreboard early and run some good patterns. When he went into the midfield, he showed a real appetite for the contest, not only to win the ball himself but putting pressure on the opposition.” 

Fergus Greene…
“He was scratchy early in the game, but as it went on he got some good chemistry with his teammates up the field and put himself in a position to impact the game and the scoreboard. He’s playing some good footy. It was great that he took his opportunities this week… When he got his opportunities, on the lead-up most of the time, he was able to convert which was pleasing for us.” 

Ben Cavarra…
“He was buzzing around, putting pressure on the opposition and putting himself in positions to help us on the scoreboard. It was great that he was able to hold onto the ball and help his teammates to get into positions further up the field and send them on their way. He’s putting some consistent form together.”

GOLD COAST SUNS                         5.3          8.8          12.9        15.9       (99)
WESTERN BULLDOGS                     3.1          5.2          6.3          8.6         (54)