Full-back is a difficult position to play as young Western Bulldog James Mulligan is well aware - you are the last line of defence, losing focus can be costly.
Lining up against one of the opposition’s most influential players week after week is especially tough when trying to find form after an injury riddled pre-season.
Mulligan was unfortunate enough to incur a calf injury which prevented him from making strides in the offseason but he is determined to make a comeback as he continues to string games together for the Dogs’ VFL affiliate Williamstown.
“I missed the whole pre-season due to calf injuries - I would have liked to have had a pre-season but that wasn’t the case,” Mulligan said.
“I am slowly getting back into it and finding some form - I just have to put some consistent games together.”
The injury is untimely for the 22 year old who, if fully fit, would potentially be in the mix for senior selection with a number of the Bulldogs senior key defensive stocks restricted to the sidelines.
Mulligan is still hopeful that his chance will come sooner rather than later while his main competitors continue to rehabilitate their injuries.
“Theoretically it means I have a better chance but I just have to play my role down in Williamstown and play in the team and hopefully it comes,” he said
“I just have to make the most of my opportunities.”
As for when he will begin pressing for senior selection he believes it is “just a matter of time”.
Under Senior Coach Brendan McCartney’s tutelage, Mulligan has focused on the bigger picture embracing the new structures and learning how to best position himself and work in with the team.
“[McCartney] is such a positive guy and I have learnt a lot about the structures and the new game plan,” he said.
“I now know where to run a lot more and I just have to get to those spots more often - slowly each week I see a bit more.
“I want to be someone who is reliable playing down back, who plays his role for the team and plays it well.
“I want to beat my opponent each week and attack the ball aggressively.”
Competition is fierce for key defensive spots even at VFL level at Whitten Oval this year despite Dale Morris, Tom Williams and Lukas Markovic being out of action through injury.
Last year’s draft saw Mark Austin, Michael Talia and Fletcher Roberts joining the ranks to add depth while a number of key forwards have also shifted down back early to develop their defensive game under McCartney.
Mulligan remains confident that he can retain his spot as he strives to find form despite the emerging talent and will instead focus his energy on improving his own game.
“You can only control what you can control - they are starting to play some good football which is great for them. It is sort of frustrating but it will slowly come. It is a long year,” he said.
