Forgotten Western Bulldogs spearhead Josh Schache enjoyed a day out in Footscray’s VFL season-opener against Gold Coast, booting five goals as the hosts powered past the Suns at VU Whitten Oval 16.13 (109) to 6.6 (42).
The former number two draft pick kicked three third term majors to finish with 5.4, 19 kicks and 12 marks. His last senior AFL game was round six last year.
Fourteen AFL-listed players took to the field for both sides, but it was the Bulldogs’ quality across the ground that proved too strong for the travelling Suns.
The Dogs’ prized first pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan slotted the game’s first from long-range and converted another in the final term but was otherwise well held.
With Jordan Sweet handed an AFL debut, former Carlton rookie Jesse Glass-Mccasker assumed the ruck duties and gave first use to midfielders Will Hayes (28 disposals, 11 marks), Lin Jong (24 disposals and a goal), and Rhylee West (22 disposals and a goal), while second-year runner Louis Butler impressed with two goals including a brilliant snap from deep in the pocket.
For the Suns, out-of-favour duo Brayden Fiorini (30 disposals) and Will Brodie (28 disposals and a goal) were busy, while former Crow Rory Atkins (23 disposals) got through his first hit-out in Gold Coast colours.
Bulldogs pair Patrick Lipinski and Ben Cavarra were held over for the AFL clash later this afternoon, while Sam Flanders looks set to be the Suns’ medical sub.