Dennington's future is looking bright in the eyes of senior coach Ben Thornton.
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The Dogs may have suffered their second straight loss of the season and sit in ninth place but Thornton sees a lot of promise in his young side.
The first-year mentor praised a number of his young troops' efforts in the opening two games of the 2021 Warrnambool and District league season.
"Reggie Barling, who is 19, has been unbelievable. He has been up against (Panmure's) Daniel Roache (in round one) and big Barney (Timboon Demons' Marcus Hickey in round two)," he said.
"He battles and we would be lost without him. He fights all day onball and it doesn't bother him, which is a credit to him. He plays as another midfielder.
"Bronte Baker (21) has come in (from Allansford) and he has been one of our best. His work ethic and defensive pressure has been great.
"When he has had the ball he attacks, spreads ands runs forward. He has been enormous."
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Thornton hoped defender Tom Noonan's game on Saturday was the start of a rich vein of form.
"Tom's defensive work was unbelievable," he said. "He held his own and the way he played was amazing.
"It is one of the better games I have played with him. He has an experienced head and he has only been playing seniors for two years now and is only 21. It's a credit to him."
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Thornton was also impressed by the performance of debutant Kye McKenna, 15.
The playing-mentor said youth would continue to be a major theme of his side this season as he aims to get as much experience into the Dogs' emerging players.
Experienced heads like Jake Boyle, Luke Pearson and Jessie Lewis are helping guide the side's young talent.
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