Source: Sunday Herald-Sun
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THERE were positive signs for Robert Murphy lining up for Williamstown against Collingwood's VFL side yesterday at VISY Park.
Williamstown coach Brad Gotch used Murphy, who has recovered from knee surgery, across half-back in 15-20 minute spells in each quarter.
Murphy, 26, had 10 kicks and two handballs to play a role in the Seagulls' 56-point victory.
"I thought Murphy got better in the second half," Gotch said.
"I wanted to keep him behind the ball and let him just worry about his man.
"Robert got a bit of fitness and I thought he used the ball well in the third quarter. The good news is that he is up and about again."
Melbourne's prized No. 1 draft pick, Jack Watts, played his first game in a seconds match for Casey Scorpions against Port Melbourne.
He kicked a goal and had 20 possessions in a promising hitout.
"It was just great to get out there and have a kick with the boys," Watts said.
"I've done a lot of work since I got drafted with the Dees. I was on a 60-70 per cent game time and I mainly played up forward.
"I was not so much nervous, I was more excited and couldn't sleep last night thinking about the game and it was great to get out there.
"If I can put a few good games together and try and make it into the Casey first side then I'll see what happens."
Bulldog 2007 AFL draft choice Guy O'Keefe, 19, was best on ground in Williamstown's defeat of Collingwood with 30 touches and five goals, working through the midfield.
"Guy is in his second year but hasn't played an AFL game yet," Gotch said. "But he was in great form in our pre-season practice games. He has to be patient and wait for his opportunity.
"There are not many gaps in the Western Bulldogs side."
Bulldogs father-son first-round draft choice Ayce Cordy showed promise on debut working as a forward/ruckman in tandem with Wayde Skipper.
"Cordy is so frail and we have got to give him time following a shoulder reconstruction," Gotch said.
The best Magpies were ruckman Cameron Wood, Brad Dick, who booted fours goals, and Ben Reid, solid in defence.
Sandringham full-forward Nicholas Sautner booted six goals to help sink the Frankston Dolphins by five goals at Frankston Park yesterday.
It followed Sautner's eight goals in last weekend's opening round against the Casey Scorpions. Sandringham's 13.6 (84) to 8.6 (54) victory came on the back of skipper Peter Summer's 29 disposals.
Today's match: Box Hill Hawks v Northern Bullants, Box Hill City Oval, 2pm.
