Jai Newcombe Review & AFL Practice Match Cut Short | News

“He trained earlier today and had a controlled session,” Bulldogs development coach Jarryn Geary said. “He’ll be assessed on Wednesday. He’s got to get through that and see how he goes next week.”

Even with Darcy sitting out the practice game, the Dogs’ offensive threat was on show, raising their bat for the ton before three-quarter time.

At 201 centimetres, Croft has all the trademarks of a future unicorn. He can run, take a grab and is also a force at ground level. All these traits were on show for his first goal when he recovered quickest in a marking contest against All Australian defender Josh Battle deep in the forward line. Small forward Arthur Jones also impressed, booting three goals in a livewire performance.

The Hawks did little right in a performance that will not have filled coach Sam Mitchell with confidence heading into their season-opener against Greater Western Sydney despite assistant coach Adrian Hickmott’s positive post-match appraisal.

Missing only Tom Barrass and Karl Amon from their likely team for the opening round, the Hawks were no match for a Bulldogs team that was cleaner and tougher.

They had issues across all three zones on the ground. Their defence was routinely opened up, their midfield, with the exception of Newcombe, was well beaten, and in attack it was Jack Gunston or bust for much of the night.

Jordan Croft celebrates after kicking a goal against Hawthorn.” loading=”lazy” src=”https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.179%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_86%2Cf_auto/7544274e8e342001144f90d983ea54eaf2b16f56″ height=”390″ width=”584″ srcset=”https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.179%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_86%2Cf_auto/7544274e8e342001144f90d983ea54eaf2b16f56, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.179%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/7544274e8e342001144f90d983ea54eaf2b16f56 2x”/>

The failure to secure Zach Merrett combined with Will Day’s injury struggles mean Hawthorn will need significant improvement from within for their midfield to beat the top teams. On this outing, they still have work to do.

The moment

Jordan Croft’s athletic gifts were on show with his second goal. Marking a pinpoint kick on the run back to goal, Croft had the speed to outpace the chasing James Sicily and the skill to convert on the run from 35 metres out. Players standing 201cm are not supposed to play like this.

The eye-catcher

It has been a slow burn for Bulldogs swingman Buku Khamis, but this might be the year it clicks for him. Khamis revelled in the responsibility of a key defensive job, having played primarily as a third tall option at either end of the ground in his 41 games. He shut out Mitch Lewis and was also a force with his intercept marking and reading of the play to sag off his opponent and spoil as the third man in a marking contest. Khamis wanted out at the end of last year when Carlton came knocking, but could not strike a deal. If Khamis maintains this form, it will prove to be smart business by the Dogs.

The injuries

Dogs youngster Ryley Sanders will miss the clash with the Lions after being concussed in a bizarre incident. Sanders copped a ball to the face in a contest on the wing in the second half, ending what had been an impressive 26-possession game.

Hawthorn will assess Cam Mackenzie from a head knock sustained in a tackle.

What the coaches said

Jarryn Geary (Western Bulldogs): “The pleasing thing about tonight was his [Croft’s] pressure and aerial presence. He’s a young player finding his way but showing promising signs and to hit the scoreboard and impact at ground level is quite promising for a guy of that stature.”

Adrian Hickmott (Hawthorn): ”We’ve been training fantastic. Not at all [worried]. At times, we didn’t work hard enough. They worked us over the ground but not concerned at all.”

The verdict

The Bulldogs could not have asked for much more in their final outing before the home and away season. They should head to Brisbane with confidence they can start the season with an upset win.

This was a head-scratcher for the Hawks, who can draw some comfort they are playing undermanned Giants team next week instead of one of the other three northern clubs.

Melbourne v Richmond

Mars Stadium, Ballarat
Demons 12.6 (78) d Tigers 6.7 (43) (shortened game)

The match

A smoother, slicker Demons outfit under Steven King provided entertainment and a discernible game plan against Richmond on a bizarre day in Ballarat that saw lightning literally strike twice, eventually forcing the game to be abandoned midway through the third quarter.