LACHIE Hunter appears ready to take his game to a new level after a standout performance in the Western Bulldogs' match simulation session at the Whitten Oval on Thursday.
The young forward's movement and creativity added a point of difference to the Bulldogs' attack, as the club continues to refine its game plan under new coach Luke Beveridge.
Hunter – the son of former Footscray defender Mark – found plenty of space in his small forward role and managed to get on the end of a number of forward forays.
The 20-year-old, who has played 23 senior games for the Dogs, stamped himself as a potential breakout candidate leading into the 2015 season.
Fellow forward Jake Stringer also continued his sizzling pre-season form, avoiding would-be tacklers with ease and he also marked the ball cleanly in pack situations.
Skipper Bob Murphy was typically assured in a mop up role across half-back, while midfielder Mitch Wallis won plenty of the footy from the centre.
The practice match, which consisted of three 15-minute periods, formed part of a tough three-hour long session in searing heat for the Bulldogs.
A more free-flowing style to the Bulldogs' play was immediately noticeable throughout the session.
Players spread forward in numbers – which led to a bunch of fast-break opportunities – and there was very little of the more stagnant play that had been evident under former coach Brendan McCartney.
Stocky draftee Caleb Daniel did some good things during the session – notably pulling the trigger to spot targets in the middle of the ground on a few occasions.
Ex-Geelong defender Joel Hamling, who the Dogs picked up as a delisted free agent, also looked sturdy in defence while Luke Dahlhaus split the big sticks on a couple of occasions.
Beveridge also spent plenty of time instructing his players during each break in play and providing feedback at the end of the session.
Tall forward Tom Campbell did not participate in the session, instead running laps as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery.
The Bulldogs open their NAB Challenge campaign against Richmond at the Whitten Oval on February 28.
