Shaun Higgins kicks the Doggies into attack. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia
SHAUN Higgins showed what a difference he can make to the Western Bulldogs if his injury-prone body can last the distance of a full season.
After another nightmare year out mending a broken navicular bone, the smooth-moving utility yesterday continued his commanding return to senior football with 33 touches in the 17-point win over Carlton at Visy Park.
The Dogs continue to firm as a team on the rise this season and the performances of Higgins, Lachlan Hunter, Jack Macrae, Matt Boyd and Tom Liberatore against an experienced Carlton outfit showed they will be a young team that is hard to shake this season.
The Blues were given a fierce spray from coach Michael Malthouse, down by 32 points at quarter time, continuing on from a patchy second-round NAB Challenge loss to Adelaide.
But Kade Simpson led the midfield recovery and Jarrad Waite (three goals) and Troy Menzel (two) fired up forward to help generate some much-needed momentum on the second half heading into the season-opener against Port Adelaide.
Hard-nut midfielder Brock McLean sat out the second half after copping a knock to the leg and Bryce Gibbs had a rest to help protect a sore hand.
Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Visy Park. Tom Liberatore clears. Pic Michael Klein. Friday March 7, 2014. Source: News Corp Australia
The club remains confident both will play Round 1.
But there will remain some questions about the fitness, speed and readiness of Carlton's midfield heading into the season-opener, after Mitch Wallis kept Marc Murphy to 21 touches and Dale Thomas gathered 17 touches amid frequent spells on the bench.
Robert Warnock won the ruck battle against Will Minson with 42 hit-outs and Matthew Kreuzer showed his mobility can yet be a key weapon in attack. He led up to a ball and wheeled around quickly to burn off his man and setup Mitch Robinson to close the gap in the last term.
Blue Lachlan Henderson made an impressive return from a back problem in the VFL and will push for selection in Round 1.
The Dogs bolted out to a six-goal to one lead in the first term, without Liberatore, who mustered 20 possessions and seven clearances coming on as the substitute in the second half.
Likewise Hunter sparkled in the half forward line in the absence of Luke Dahlhaus, showing natural football instinct, and Macrae continue to elevate his game in his second season, with 25 disposals.
Higgins flourished on a back flank, using his clean disposal and composure to help direct traffic without injured teammate Robert Murphy.
Higgins yesterday said it was shattering to play only two games last season but said the time out had made him even more determined to help the Dogs succeed on field.
"It's not great on the sidelines but it's probably made me a little bit hungrier over the pre-season," Higgins said.
"I'm really enjoying playing with those guys and tonight we showed just how good some of them are.
"It's going to be an exciting couple of years I think."
Key forward Liam Jones played in the VFL and is expected to push for a Round 1 berth in the Dogs' final intra-club match on Thursday.
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