Tara Murray
Footscray’s top order enjoyed the opportunity to spend some time in the middle in Victorian Premier Cricket on Saturday.
It had been a dour start for the Bulldogs batting line up, as conditions played a huge part early in the season.
In round one, the Bulldogs were 2-0 when the game was called off and last round they were 5-18 in tough conditions after heavy rain.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs were sent in on their home deck by Essendon and were able to make the most of it.
They finished the day at 1-325.
Bulldogs coach Dale McDonald said their home deck was a really good batting deck and they were keen to make the most of it.
“All three batted well,” he said. “We had an opening run partnership of 124 between Aiman [Nadeem] and Dylan [Brasher] to start the day,” he said.
“They’ve had a few opening run partnerships the last few years which has been good.
“Mitch [Jamieson] and Dylan put on 201 partnership and it was really exciting for both to get 100s.”
Brasher finished on 158 not out as he pushes his claim for selection in the Victorian side.
McDonald said Brasher has a strong focus on controlling what he can control.
“He’s still only 22 years old,” he said. “We talk about the batting process over outcome.”
Jamieson made his 101 not out, his first century in premier first XI.
It comes off the back of some hard work to get back on the pitch.
“He had an injury in a practice match last year,” McDonald said. “He only played three games last year and did well.
“He has started slowly this year… He trains every day and trains somewhat like a professional.
“For an 18-year-old that is pretty good.”
McDonald said they will have to bowl well on day two to get the win.
He said they had been playing on some batting friendly wicket, but felt like their wicket offered something for the bowlers early on.
Meanwhile, three Bulldogs players have been named in the Vic metro under-19 squad for the national championships.
Nadeem, Joshua Pace and Bailey Toseland have been named in the team which is coached by Bulldogs captain Travis Dean.
McDonald said it was good recognition for three to be named in the squad.
“They’ve had to work hard to make the squad,” he said. “They were all part of it in some format last year, but it didn’t mean they were a walk up this year.
“There was good competition for spots up to last week. The hard work starts now.”
