Tweet
Bulldogs offer rookie Brodie Moles a just reward
THE Western Bulldogs will reward midfield battler Brodie Moles as early as today by upgrading him from the club's rookie list.
The 24-year-old has been the competition's surprise package during the pre-season, and he now appears certain to be named in the starting 22 for his senior debut against Collingwood in the Etihad Stadium round-one blockbuster on Sunday week.
Moles' form in four matches for his new club in the NAB Cup has been excellent. He has averaged 73 minutes a game for an average of 17 disposals as part of the Bulldogs' midfield rotation.
The Tasmanian represented his state at VFL level before being recruited by Geelong as a rookiea little more than two years ago.
Despite finishing third in the Cats' VFL team's best and fairest award last year from 17 games, the closest he came to getting a look-in at the elite level was two NAB Cup appearances 12 months ago.
Moles was rated highly by Geelong's football department, but because of the strong midfield opposition he already faced within the Cats' group, his age, and some inconsistent form, he was not promoted to their primary list.
He was taken by the Dogs with their first pick, at No 19 overall, in the rookie draft last December as a mature-age selection.
Moles' earlier-than-expected promotion to centre stage will also be fast-tracked by the likely absences of captain Brad Johnson (calf), Callan Ward (groin) and Nathan Eagleton (hamstring).
Comment