Highly rated teenager Ryley Sanders has all but locked in a round-one AFL debut after an outstanding performance in the Western Bulldogs' 57-point practice-match thumping of Hawthorn.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
After a second-quarter blip, the Bulldogs ran riot in the second half as they tuned up for the premiership season with a 17.17 (119) to 9.8 (62) victory at UTAS Stadium in Launceston on Saturday.
Tasmanian product Sanders, who grew up just down the road from the venue, looked comfortable at the level as he tallied 30 disposals and four clearances.
The No.6 draft pick also had 10 score involvements, bettered only by Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli (11).
The assured display at half-forward and through the midfield means 19-year-old Sanders is a near-certainty to line up against Melbourne in the Bulldogs' season opener on March 17.
"It was very impressive ... the second half especially he got going a bit," Bulldogs assistant coach Matt Spangher said.
"He's an incredibly talented young man who's had a fantastic immediate impact for us.
"He's certainly one of the more composed young players that I've seen, and he certainly knows how to make the right decision with ball in hand.
"After tonight's showing I'd say he's a pretty strong chance of playing (in round one). He's done everything right to give himself the best chance.
"His attitude is first-rate, and if it happens, he certainly deserves his chance."
Bontempelli (32 disposals, six clearances), Tom Liberatore (30, 13) and Adam Treloar (28, seven) were also influential figures in the engine room as the Bulldogs controlled three of the four quarters in a solid hit-out.
Key forwards Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan were dangerous partners in attack with four goals each, and Rhylee West chipped in with three majors.
Bontempelli and Treloar kicked one goal each, while 10-game backman Buku Khamis showed promising signs in defence.
Only a sluggish second term and poor goal-kicking by the inaccurate Bulldogs - who trailed 2.12 (24) to Hawthorn's 6.5 (41) at halftime - prevented a greater margin.
Hawthorn's rising midfield star Jai Newcombe (37 disposals, seven clearances) was prominent, and high-profile recruit Jack Ginnivan worked hard all night.
The Collingwood premiership forward, who secured a move during last year's trade period, kicked two nice goals during the second quarter as the Hawks briefly got on top.
Mitch Lewis and Connor Macdonald also kicked two goals each, while Karl Amon (28 touches) and Jarman Impey (22) found plenty of the ball.
Hawks assistant Adrian Hickmott felt there were plenty of lessons to take from the loss.
"We want to win more games and be more competitive throughout the year, and that's our challenge," he said.
"The Bulldogs are a good side and momentum hit us at times - they kicked seven goals in a row (during the third term).
"But going through that as a young group and (learning how to) halt that is our aim."
Hawthorn expect to be bolstered by the return of Jack Gunston and Josh Weddle, among others, when they open their season against traditional rivals Essendon on March 17.
Australian Associated Press
