Two recruits will join Panmure's emerging young pups when the Bulldogs meet East Warrnambool on Saturday in the Warrnambool and District League.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Brad Cook and Liam Bishop, both from Warrnambool Football Netball Club, switched to Bulldogs this week.
Coach Chris Bant said he was thrilled to have the duo in his team for Saturday.
"They're both pretty young and have really good skills," he said.
"They'll give us more rotations through our side.
"I expect them to fit in really well."
Bant said Cook would play across half-back while Bishop would play in the midfield.
The Bulldogs mentor said he was calling for his team to remain switched on throughout its clash with the Bombers on Saturday at Panmure Recreation Reserve.
Panmure, which was one-point ahead of finals fancy Merrivale in round two, didn't score a goal in the third quarter which ultimately cost it the match.
Bant said it was important his Bulldogs didn't have any lapses against the Bombers.
"I don't think it's a fitness thing, I think it's more of a mentality," he said.
"Just not to switch off at any time because when you do, those good sides don't and they make you pay."
The first-year coach said ball movement was another focus for his side during the opening month of the season.
He said he was using video footage to provide feedback to his players.
Panmure youngsters Michael McKenzie and Lachlan McLeod are hoping to be part of a win on Saturday.
The pair, who are relatively new to senior footy, first played together for the Bulldogs in under 14s and won a premiership that year.
McKenzie, 18, made his senior debut in the Panmure's opening match of the season.
The back pocket, who works on a farm at Garvoc, said he wanted to be more composed with the footy.
"I'm stepping up from under 18s to seniors and the pace is a lot quicker," he said.
"So I've got to just remain composed and realise that I've got more room than I think I have."
Warrnambool College Year 12 student McLeod said he had benefited from playing 11 senior matches last season.
"I adjusted to playing seniors last year," he said.
"This year has been a little bit easier because I've experienced it."
The 17-year-old midfielder said he had been pushing himself at training.
"I'm just trying to get the best out of myself,' he said.
"I do both under 18s and senior training so that's two hours worth of training."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.