Dennis-Lane showed exactly why the Swans picked him up in the 2009 draft when he used both his evasive skills and his clean hands to shade some of the best defenders in the Club.
Coach Paul Roos was suitably impressed as Dennis-Lane’s yellow team just beat the red side in an 80 minute match played in very hot conditions.
“I think Trent’s five goals is going to make it hard to keep him out (of the NAB Cup side),’’ Roos said.
Roos also praised the form of the Club’s other 2009 draft picks, with Gary Rohan using his speed and awareness to kick two goals, Sam Reid taking a couple of good grabs and Lewis Jetta and Byron Sumner lively around the ground.
But it was Dennis-Lane, the 21-year-old who played for Subiaco last year and was taken at pick 55 in the draft, who was the stand out. “There is not often you get a guy (in the draft) who kicks five goals,’’ Roos said. “It is an intra-club practice game but that forward line played on our best defence so he was playing on Tadhg and Marty Mattner and Malceski so it was a pretty good effort to come and do that. Certainly his preparation and today’s game stands him in good stead for next week.’’
Key forwards Adam Goodes, Jesse White and Daniel Bradshaw all sat out today’s game but the small forwards shone. Jarred Moore also kicked five goals, playing for the red team, and Paul Bevan led well and marked strongly in attack.
Roos was also impressed by the work of Mark Seaby and Daniel Currie, who opposed each other in the ruck, as well as midfield stalwarts such as Jarrad McVeigh, and Jude Bolton and Brett Kirk who also went head-to-head.
“The midfield group looked fit, generally used the ball well and worked well together so it was a good opportunity for them and they came through it really well,’’ Roos said.
Craig Bolton, Goodes, Ryan O’Keefe and Nick Smith were among those who didn’t play today, but Roos is confident they will be right for next weekend’s game.
“We’re not going to take any risks, no teams do at this time of year, but if Craig and Adam and Ryan get through next week’s two sessions they should be right to play.’’
