Key forwards have been scarce at Whitten Oval in recent seasons so when two young guns from the club’s most recent batch of draftees made an impact in front of goal, it had the few hundred spectators taking note.
First-round draft pick Ayce Cordy booted three goals while Jordan Roughead, cousin of Hawthorn’s Jarryd, also bobbed up with three to showcase the future of the Doggies’ forward line.
Rodney Eade’s side might no longer have to rely on pinpoint passes from midfield hitting smaller targets.
With the likes of the 202cm Cordy and 200cm Roughead, the future could be looking up – literally.
Both potential ruckmen with the ability to play as key forwards, Eade liked what he saw from the pair during Friday’s four-quarter clash.
“They were good weren’t they, and they’re good kids,” he said.
“You know, they know how good they can be but by the same token they want to work hard and they’ve got a good work ethic… I think that with luck in running there’s no doubt they can play.”
It wasn’t so much the pair’s return in front of goal on Friday but more how each player moved among the big boys that impressed.
Both looked raw, particularly the skinnier Cordy, but his pace off the park often meant he was five metres in front of his opponent.
“I think he’s probably going to struggle to get a game up forward this year,” Eade admitted.
“I mean he’s still a beanpole but … he’s a very talented player. But by the same token we’ve got to do the right thing by his development.
“We’ll try to fast-track him as best we can but having said that we’ve got to look after his future.”
That “fast-tracking” could include a senior outing against St Kilda next week, Eade said.
“I hadn’t thought about that but the way he played today …” he said.
“We’ve got the flexibility now of playing 28 or 29 next week … so he’s a good chance.”
Eade said Roughead was in the same bracket as his fellow draftee in terms of senior prospects in the home-and-away season, although he did have a size advantage.
“Jordan’s put on six kilos since he’s been here, so we’ve got to make sure he doesn’t put on too much,” Eade said.
“He’s about 96, 97kg now. He’s coped with most of the running very well … I think really, the aim for those two players is just to get a permanent game at Williamstown and we’ll see how it unfolds.”
