WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney regained some touch and got through unscathed in a VFL practice match for Williamstown against the Northern Bullants at Whitten Oval yesterday.

The Brownlow Medallist, who had post-season knee surgery and has been managed through summer, showed some glimpses although he appeared to tighten up in the final term after playing 70 per cent of game time.

Bulldogs development coach Peter German, also the Williamstown coach, said Cooney had done everything the club had asked of him.

"It was what we wanted. He got some tackles, he got some touches," German said.

"It wasn't about him going out and getting 50 possessions. It was all about him playing and getting through. He didn't do the Cooney-type things but we were happy with him," he said.

The Bulldogs may decide to ask for permission for Cooney, who played with his right knee strapped, to get extra game time in another VFL practice match next Friday against the Box Hill Hawks in the scheduled week off for AFL clubs.

Western Bulldogs youngster Ayce Cordy also impressed the club faithful with his strong marking in defence and follow up with two pin-point passes. He also had some game-time in the ruck.

"He [Cordy] had a few purple patches and we think he's going along well so far," German said.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-new...304-1bi74.html