English lesson for Hawks in Dogs’ perfect tune-up
Shayne Hope |
Tim English and Ryley Sanders have starred as the Western Bulldogs tuned up for their AFL Opening Round clash with the reigning premiers by overpowering Hawthorn in their final pre-season outing.
The Dogs, who start the new campaign against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on March 7, were too good for the Hawks in an 18.9 (117) to 11.7 (73) victory at Whitten Oval on Friday night.
Hard-working English was everywhere, tallying 23 disposals, six marks, four clearances and two goals in an outstanding display for the home side.
Sanders (26 disposals) shone on a wing and pushed back to help out in defence, where Buku Khamis in particular stood tall, while Jordan Croft and Arthur Jones (three goals each) were lively in attack.
But Sanders will miss the start of the season proper after failing a concussion test after a knock late in the match.
“He was unfortunate to get a little knock at the end of the game there, which he’s obviously getting assessed for, but he’s shown some good signs,” Bulldogs development coach Jarryn Geary said.
“He had a little bit of a hiccup at the back end of last year but he’s a young, developing player who wants to put his best foot forward.
“Tonight he showed the quality that he can be and we’re hopeful he’s going to have a real positive future for us.”
Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli (29 touches, six clearances) starred early, while fellow midfielders Matt Kennedy (28 disposals) and Tom Liberatore (23, two goals) were typically busy in a strong team performance.
It came despite the absence of injured star forward Sam Darcy, who is in doubt to face the Lions because of back, hip and groin soreness.
Hawthorn also feature in Opening Round – against GWS at Engie Stadium on March 7 – but will be hopeful of producing a better performance when the real stuff starts.
Nick Watson (13 disposals, two goals) was a shining light and veteran forward Jack Gunston (three goals) played almost a lone hand in attack, where the Hawks failed to cash in on plentiful supply.
Wearing a glove to protect the finger he broke, Jack Ginnivan returned to action with one goal from 12 touches, while Jai Newcombe (28 disposals), Josh Ward (22) and Connor Macdonald (22) were busy in the midfield.
Hawks assistant coach Adrian Hickmott conceded his side didn’t make the most of its opportunities but wasn’t particularly worried about the overall performance.
“We’ve been training fantastic, so not at all,” Hickmott said.
“At times we didn’t work hard enough and they worked us over the ground, but we’re not concerned at all.”
Bontempelli had 11 touches and five clearances – three out of the centre – in the first quarter alone, steering the Bulldogs to a nine-point lead at the break.
Efficient in attack, the Bulldogs led 12.6 to 6.2 at halftime despite trailing the inside-50 tally 34-26.
English took his game to a new level in the third term, exposing opponents Ned Reeves, Mabior Chol and Josh Weddle around the ground.
Hawks wing Cam Mackenzie was passed a concussion test late in the match as the Bulldogs cruised to a comfortable win.
AAP