Assistant coach Rohan Smith says the Western Bulldogs will walk away from their first hit-out against opposition with a few positives, but some areas for improvement.

The Bulldogs ultimately fell to a 15-point loss to Hawthorn at VU Whitten Oval, but blew off the cobwebs in preparation for an AAMI Community Series match against Melbourne on March 8, and round one of the season proper against Collingwood on March 19.

“It was good – first hit-out against opposition, which the boys were looking forward to,” the Bulldogs’ back-line coach said post-game.

“There were patches where we played some good footy and patches where we played some poor footy.

“All we’re looking for is that consistency during the game, during quarters. That’ll grow over the next few weeks.”

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Rohan Smith | 'Competition for spots is really healthy'

Western Bulldogs assistant coach Rohan Smith spoke to the media following the practice game against Hawthorn on Wednesday.

Smith highlighted ruckman Tim English as one of the Bulldogs’ best.

The ever-improving big man has spent a pre-season learning from veteran big man Stefan Martin and put those lessons to the test, having an impact forward and in partnership with Martin in the ruck.

An Aaron Naughton niggle meant English spent large parts of the day forward, alongside Josh Bruce.

“I think he’s relishing spending a little more time forward and flowing on with Stef in the ruck,” Smith said of English.

“He’s had good time in the ruck and good time forward. I thought he played really well.

“With Naughts coming back in a few weeks’ time, we’ll just play a little taller up in the forward line. There will be a mix of Stef and Timmy playing forward and in the ruck.”

Another bright spark for the Bulldogs was the performance of Lachie McNeil.

The South Australian midfielder-forward joined the club with pick 11 in last year’s rookie draft and has impressed many over the pre-season.

“I thought he was fantastic – that’s really exciting for us, for Lachie to come in,” Smith said.

“He played a lot of SANFL footy last year against men, which was great. He came in today and set it alight, I thought it was a real positive for him.

“He took some great steps forward and didn’t look out of place at all.”

AFL Practice Match | Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: The Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at Whitten Oval on February 24, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos)
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