Will Ashcroft became the sixth member of the family to don the blue, red and white of Turvey Park in first grade in last weekend's home loss to Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.

It was a nice moment for co-coach Josh Ashcroft, who was able to hand his 18-year-old cousin a debut after strong reserve grade form.

Forward Will joins cousins Josh and Brad, father Troy, uncle Bradley and grandfather John as family members to represent the Bulldogs in the top grade.

"Will's been working his butt off at training and I thought he deserved his spot," Josh, who has taken on the co-coach role with Chase Grintell this year, said.

"The (wet) conditions probably didn't suit him as a forward but he still did his job and did everything we asked of him to do.

"Dad was a full forward and I think he was pretty handy as a junior, then had troubles with his hamstring and back.

"He pulled the pin pretty early on in his twenties and the family life took over. Dad loves his footy but he never talks about his own footy, it's always all about us.

"As for my grandfather, he was a defender and people always say they earned their kick if you were playing on him, the same with Troy, and he made them earn it."

Although they are yet to win a game after three rounds of the six-round AFL Riverina Championship, Josh is drilling the positives into his young squad, especially the development they're receiving playing against top quality sides every week.

"It's just about getting games under the belt for the kids too. Every week we're playing quality opposition and I reckon it's great development for all these kids, and even myself," Josh said.

"I'm learning things every week as a footballer and as a coach. I know Osborne's got some quality players but it's pretty exciting to go out there and play a team you've never played before and don't know what to expect.

"I keep reiterating to the players after every game and training that we just have to take positives out of everything we do.

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