Essendon champion Tim Watson wants to see a willingness to compete from Western Bulldogs recruit Josh Schache against Collingwood tonight at Etihad Stadium.
Schache will make his debut for the Dogs after moving from the Brisbane Lions during last year’s trade period, as he sought a move back to Victoria.
The number two pick in the 2015 National Draft will be hoping this evening's clash could be the game that kick-starts his career after playing 27 games in two stop-start years at the Lions.
Schache and the Dogs battle Collingwood tonight, and you can hear the game live on 1116 SEN from 6:00pm with Gerard Whateley, Anthony Hudson, Garry Lyon, Danny Frawley and Abbey Holmes
“From what I’ve seen of him, he needs to show more urgency in the way that he plays and be more competitive in the way that he plays,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“I think he’s actually been very much a mark/kick type player at under 18 level when he had a bit of space around him.
“He’s got to come to terms with AFL football which is so much tougher and there’s a lot more buffeting around the ground as well.
“He’s got to be more competitive and get himself involved more in the game.
“I think that’s why he’s been back at VFL level and they’re the things they would have been trying to teach him.
“Tonight he gets the opportunity to show what he’s learned.”
Melbourne great Garry Lyon wants to see the 20-year-old get up the ground and use his aerobic prowess to work over his opponent.
“I’m told constantly that he’s (Schache's) got a tank and an engine,” Lyon said.
“So can he develop a game that allows him to push up, hit back and work angles? From what I’ve seen he isn’t going to be a stand and mark forward.
“I’m sure football supporters will be patient, but you just want to see a sign.”
Listen to this morning's edition of SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below