WITH many predicting the Western Bulldogs are on the verge of a sustained period at the top of the ladder, young key defender Zaine Cordy feels blessed to be involved.
When he arrived 12 months ago as a father-son recruit, little was expected of the Bulldogs' young and inexperienced list.
A year later the Dogs are 2015 finalists and one of the most exciting teams in the AFL, with confidence that Luke Beveridge's young side will be an even tougher proposition in 2016.
"I was having a chat to one of the boys just the other day saying everything is coming together," Cordy told AFL.com.au.
"All the young blokes are blending in with the older guys and it's just like clockwork.
"It's really exciting, and hopefully we can go one step further than an elimination final next year."
Cordy's timing is also impeccable in a playing sense, with the versatile defender being groomed to take over from ageing stalwart Dale Morris.
Two senior games late last season showed the Geelong Falcons product has the talent to assume the role, with his strong intercept marking and attack on the ball.
"At the moment the coaches see me as a third tall like Dale Morris, who can play tall and small," he said.
"I try to be one of those lock-down defenders, but also develop my offensive game by giving a bit of run like Bob Murphy and Jason Johannisen.
"And one of the things we preach at the Bulldogs is to go for your marks and do it as much as possible."
The Cordy name has been associated with the Dogs since his father Brian, and uncles Neil and Graeme represented the club during the 1970s and '80s.
While his dad is still involved as an assistant with Footscray in the VFL, Zaine will be the only Cordy on the Dogs' list following older brother Ayce's delisting after just 27 games in seven seasons.
And a sibling rivalry looms on the horizon, with the spirited brothers every chance to lock horns after Ayce recently signed with Williamstown.
"It's a little bit disappointing Ayce left, but I got to play a few games in the VFL with him and I really enjoyed that," Cordy said.
"There's been a bit of talk about us playing on each other around the club. and I can guarantee it will get a bit feisty because we're both really competitive."
However 19-year-old is optimistic that scenario won't eventuate, with Cordy hoping his form warrants a spot in a side expected to feature in September again.
"I think anything is possible, because the way Luke coaches if you're playing well with Footscray you're a chance to play seniors, and that's a great position to be in at the club," Cordy said.
"I really enjoyed my time in the seniors last season because it was great experience, and hopefully I can get a few more games this year."
