Welsh resists crowing after four goals for Dogs
The Age
Nick Sheridan | March 24, 2008

BULLDOGS recruit Scott Welsh had a debut to remember, kicking four goals against his old club.

While he finished the day with just 10 touches, Welsh will be satisfied he was able to prove his worth to the Bulldogs' selectors who gave the 29-year-old a second chance after he was delisted by the Crows last year.

"I was looking forward to this game for a while … it was a great result, particularly for Johnno's (Brad Johnson's) 300th," Welsh said.

Although he gave no appearance of struggling to fit in to his new role — he kicked the Bulldogs' first goal of the day — Welsh said he took some time to get comfortable in the Bulldogs' forward line.

"It was a bit different," he said. "It was a bit hard early but I sort of got used to it and it wasn't really an issue in the end."

Welsh said he expects his presence in the forward line to free up skipper Johnson to be more versatile.

"I think I'm fitting in pretty well down there. I think Johnno's going to play up the ground a bit … and hopefully I can gel with the forward line and help them win a few games," he said.

Coach Rodney Eade said Welsh's efforts — both in front of goal and with a great chase and tackle on Jason Porplyzia in the centre of the ground that forced a turnover — contributed to the Bulldogs' victory.

"Scott Welsh is obviously a dangerous player. To be able to kick four with the chances he had … he's fitted in extremely well. His first two or three games were a bit slow to get going in the NAB Cup, but the last one was good and he obviously played well today," Eade said.

And while Welsh was happy with his first outing, he was not willing to make too much of it.

"It was a great result today and it worked out well — we've just got to back it up next week," he said.