Mitch Wallis will remember Saturday’s win for a few reasons.
One of those will be his career-best four goals. Another will be that it was the first time his daughter Charlotte was in the stands.
The 27-year-old midfielder-turned-forward has reinvented himself in 2020 and leads the Bulldogs’ goal-kicking tally with 20 majors from 13 games.
Senior coach Luke Beveridge heaped praise on Wallis, one of the club’s leaders, post-game.
“Just outstanding,” Beveridge told media.
“Just his strength in his one-on-ones, he’s so clean with his ball-handling and obviously he finished.
“It’s the first time ever that Wally’s kicked four, so that’s important to break new ground and forge ahead with how much you’re improving in your position.
“He’s been really critical for us, Wally.”
Wallis had played just 40 of 67 games in the three seasons prior to this one – largely due to injury – but hasn’t missed a beat in 2020.
His strength around the ball as a midfielder is now translating into a forward threat.
“It’s always been in the back of our mind that he can be that influential forward,” Beveridge said.
“Now that he’s physically fit – he’s had some injuries over the time – I just feel like he’s playing to his strengths.
“His pressure’s really improved too over time. He’s been a consistent performer for us all year.”
INDIGENOUS GUERNSEY AUCTION | Bid now on the Western Bulldogs' match worn guernseys from the 2020 Sir Doug Nicholls Round victory over Melbourne. Proceeds to Indigenous programming.
