OFF-SEASON recruits Jackson Trengove, Hayden Crozier and Josh Schache have made solid starts at their new club the Western Bulldogs, with all three playing a part in a 22-point win over Hawthorn in the JLT Community Series.
Trengove made the biggest impact in Ballarat, giving the Dogs a strong and aggressive presence in the ruck and as a key forward, while Crozier had 20 possessions at 90 per cent efficiency and six rebound 50s across half back.
Schache spent the first half on the bench but came on to relieve Trengove in the ruck and kicked a goal with his first kick in the red, white and blue, using his mobility to stream forward after a centre bounce.
Match report: Bulldogs show some early bite
Stand-in coach Daniel Giansiracusa said Trengove's experience and versatility made him extremely valuable to the young Bulldogs side.
"He can play three spots but I think you saw today that its ruck/forward that we're thinking (is his best position)," he said.
"He's added to the group in terms of the aggression he brings and he's really built a competitiveness around those ruck stocks.
"He knocks blokes on the chin at training and doesn't do it on purpose, it's just the type of player he is, which has lifted the standard in that area.
WATCH: Daniel Giansiracusa's full post-match media conference
"I think as the game got going he really stepped up for us and we'll look for him to continue to do that next week and leading into the season proper."
The Hawks were impressed with their own summer addition in former Port Adelaide forward Jarman Impey, who coach Alastair Clarkson said was "electric", especially early in the match.
But he was more impressed with Jaeger O'Meara, who showed no signs of the knee problems that have crippled his career to date.
The West Australian finished with 16 touches, five inside 50s and four tackles, but more importantly, got through the match unscathed.
"He's had a really good summer so we're just looking forward to the chemistry starting to build (in the midfield)," Clarkson said post-match.
WATCH: Alastair Clarkson's full post-match media conference
"He hasn't played many games of footy to work out what the chemistry and connection and synergy is like with his teammates, whether it's with the ruckmen or his fellow midfielders.
"We'll work that out, and every minute and every game that he gets is just really valuable for him and us."