A TWINGE to Ryan Hargrave’s right ankle was the only bad news to come from the Western Bulldogs’ scratch match at Whitten Oval on Friday afternoon as the club’s big guns – and a couple of lesser-known pups – shone during a four-quarter hit-out.

In blustery conditions, it was midfielders Daniel Cross, Ryan Griffen, Daniel Giansiracusa and Shaun Higgins who were prolific for their respective sides.

Meanwhile, first-year draftees Ayce Cordy and Jordan Roughead turned in eye-catching performances up forward – each booting three goals in a sign of exciting times ahead for Doggies’ fans.

While there were plenty of skill errors, Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said he was satisfied with his team’s workout ahead of its NAB Challenge series match against St Kilda next week.

“It was reasonably windy out there so it was difficult going into the wind,” Eade said.

The Bulldogs moved the ball efficiently at times, with Scott Welsh, Jarrad Grant and Will Minson all providing focal points at varying stages.

At ground level there was plenty of spark from livewires such as Malcolm Lynch.

Eade said he would like to think Lynch – who missed the majority of 2008 with hamstring injuries – would play senior football while Brennan Stack also impressed.

His athleticism was evident throughout the four quarters.

“He was another one that was pleasing,” Eade said.

“I didn’t think he displayed all his talent last week [against Essendon in the NAB Cup], I thought he was a bit inconsistent but I thought his work rate today was really good.

“He’s got a lot of talent and he just needs to grasp what’s required at AFL level, which is a consistent work rate.”

Just as pleasing as the prospect of some new faces in the side this season was the form of Ryan Griffen, who looked in great nick despite having been absent from the club for almost a fortnight.

“He was good wasn’t he?” Eade said.

“We had to actually hold him back a bit at times. We told him to try to pull the reins a bit as far as his pace [because] he hasn’t really trained with us for two weeks.”

Brad Johnson, Robert Murphy, Adam Cooney, Brian Lake, Jason Akermanis and Mitch Hahn sat out Friday’s match but Eade reported good news about some of his stars.

“Aker and Murph, more than likely, will play some game time next week, varying between 20 minutes and half a game,” he said.

“Cooney will more likely be the week after.”

Hargrave’s ankle injury is not expected to keep him sidelined.

http://afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/72378/default.aspx

hope Acye Cordy has a very good year (more DT points for me )