Josh Schache has fallen down the key forward pecking order at the Western Bulldogs.
Schache is behind Aaron Naughton and Josh Bruce and could fall further down the queue with No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan waiting in the wings.
Contracted for another season at Whitten Oval, the 23-year-old has a fight on his hands to force his way back into coach Luke Beveridge’s plans.
With lead-up forwards of Schache’s ilk afforded more space in 2021, Tim Watson says the former Lion could be suited to the way the game is currently being played.
“Josh Schache hasn’t been able to get a look in anywhere and has not been able to play consistent AFL football,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“Now with the way the game is lining up and has changed, he’s a very good straight-ahead leader but didn’t like the congestion and the buffeting.
“They probably don’t need even need to pull him out of the drawer right now, but maybe it’s a chance for him to reassert himself and get involved.”
Garry Lyon added: “It’s a great point.
“Maybe not there, maybe somewhere else.”
Watson replied: “It could be somewhere else.”
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Bulldogs defender Easton Wood says an ankle injury has hindered Schache’s progress, but his application and work ethic cannot be questioned.
“I really hope so (win back his place), if he can keep putting some good form together in the VFL,” Wood said on SEN Breakfast.
“Unfortunately, he’s had an ankle injury during the pre-season and he re-aggravated that ankle a week and a bit ago.
“The season hasn’t panned out the way ‘Schach’ has liked but he’s applied himself and he’s working extremely hard.
"I hope he can get a chance at some stage.”
Schache, a former No.2 draft pick, played just two senior games in 2020 taking his career tally to 56 for the Lions and Dogs since debuting in 2016.
He kicked two goals for Footscray in a VFL practice match against North Melbourne on Good Friday.