Top pick and fringe Dogs stake their claim

THE Western Bulldogs’ strength in depth was on show in last week’s VFL match against GWS.

Footscray thrashed the Giants by 72 points at Blacktown with number one pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and fringe Dogs Patrick Lipinski and Rhylee West staking their claim for senior selection.

Ugle-Hagan finished with five goals to make it eight majors in two VFL matches, while Lipinski (35 disposals and a goal) and West (25 and three) stood out.

Bulldogs great Brad Johnson is excited about the prospect of Ugle-Hagan feasting on some silver service from the likes of Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae at AFL level.

“Wait until he‘s leading out for ‘Bont’ and Macrae. Watch how effective he is then,” Johnson told Fox Footy.

“I agree that he should earn his spot, because it‘s going to make him better and more resilient in terms of what he needs to do at senior level.

“But part of me thinks, with the way they’re going, he’d dominate.”

Luke Beveridge’s side extended their undefeated start to six games, beating the Giants by 39 points in Canberra.

Injuries to Josh Dunkley (shoulder), Lin Jong (hamstring and Tim English (concussion) put a dampener on the win as the Dogs turn their attention to Friday night’s blockbuster against reigning premiers Richmond.

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN