DRAGONS RUCK TIPPED TO DOMINATE:
BELL Park coach Shane Jack has tipped co-captain Lachie Patten is ready to start “dominating this competition” after he was tipped to be one of the leading chances for this year’s Mathieson Medal.
Five GFL captains said Patten (pictured) would win the league best-and-fairest following a runner-up finish in 2019.
Jack said the star midfielder was ready to “take it to another level” as the Dragons attempt to return to finals for the first time since 2017.
“I can see Lachie for the next two or three years just really dominating this competition,” Jack said.
“He’s probably the hardest working player I’ve seen on and off the field and he leads by example.
“I can’t see anything slowing him down. Obviously the opposition will put a bit more time into him, but just with his workrate and willingness to compete, he’ll be raring to go.” Former Western Bulldogslisted tall Luke Goetz looms as another key addition at Hamlyn Park, arriving from Western Region league club Altona.
Goetz was drafted as a rookie in 2015, but was cut midway through his first season after struggling to adapt to the demands of AFL football.
Jack hoped Goetz would be able to establish himself as one of the competition’s best big men.
“He puts himself out there and I’m sure he’ll be able to back it up,” he said.
“There’s still some quality ruckmen going around so he’s definitely going to be tested at times.
“We just hope that he competes for us around the ground and in the centre bounces. I’m sure he’ll adapt himself really well.
“He’s just going to improve every game he plays.”
Ex-Williamstown forward Christian Buykx-Smith, who played 16 games with the Seagulls in four VFL seasons, will also provide a tall target in attack.
Jack said Bell Park was “excited” about Buykx-Smith’s potential.
“He leads up really well, he jumps up, he doesn’t get outmarked, he brings the ball to ground and he’s pretty agile on the ground,” he said.
“He’s still getting used to everyone, to be honest.
He’s come in pretty late for us. He’ll take a bit of time to adapt, but I reckon once he starts to hit his straps, he’ll be a really good player for us.”