By Luke D’Anello
IT’S good news for Bulldogs players suiting up for Williamstown this season.
Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade believes the new substitute rule will mean more players get an opportunity in the Dogs’ senior line-up this season.
With father-son selection Mitch Wallis and first-round draft pick Christian Howard in smashing form for the Seagulls in the early stages of the VFL season, the Dogs have depth in their ranks.
Defender Lukas Markovic, who was selected at pick number 63 in the 2009 National Draft, made his AFL debut in round one and has impressed all and sundry.
Seasoned backmen Brian Lake and Lindsay Gilbee returned for Saturday’s clash against Gold Coast, but Markovic managed to hold his spot in the line-up.
Eade said more players are likely to score a chance to show their wares in 2011.
“Certainly with the new (substitute) rule, there’s no doubt you’re going to have to play more players anyway, so that gives you an opportunity to play those players,” Eade said.
“Young Brennan Stack has done well, Markovic has done well, so I think from that aspect it has opened up the door for a few other players, which is good.
“I think it’s good that young Christian Howard is doing well and he’s really improved over the last four or five weeks. Him and Mitch Wallis and a few others as well are not far away.”
One player who has grabbed hold of his chance is Tom Liberatore, son of Brownlow medallist Tony, who was selected at number 41 in the 2010 Draft under the father-son rule.
Liberatore, a Calder Cannons product, has displayed his ability to accumulate countless possessions in just three games at the top level.
The 18-year-old midfielder was forced to leave training early on Wednesday to travel to Geelong for his licence test.
“With any young lad coming in, even if they’re highly regarded, you don’t know how long it’s going to take them to get in (the senior team) and find their feet,” Eade said.
“The fact he’s coming in to a top four side from the last three years is a big say and how well he’s done in the pre-season and, further to that, to make a mark in the team has been terrific for him.
“But I don’t think still our expectations can be too high. It’s still going to take time adjust. He’s still got a youngish body. He’s not strong in the body yet … so we’ve got to be mindful of the workload we put into him as well.”
Eade said rookie-listed Mitch Hahn, who booted six goals in Williamstown’s opening-round win against Werribee, could still gain a spot on the Dogs’ list if a senior player suffered a long-term injury.
Hahn is the forward line coach at Williamstown and Eade said the 175-game veteran had been a valuable resource for the club’s young players.
“His attitude has been fantastic. If you keep knocking enough … opportunities will come, there’s no doubt.”
