Brad Ashcroft's back issue a 'day by day' proposition as forward looks to help guide Turvey's finals charge

The 21-year-old played just his second game of the year in last week's win over Griffith, and although he finished goalless he did give off a couple to teammates in the 50-point victory.

Ashcroft has had a handful of false starts in his bid to return to the field after booting five majors in a big win over Narrandera in round three, and said it's been tough watch Turvey Park battle to a 3-5 record at the halfway mark.

The full forward's return, plus the inclusion of centre-half forward Mitch Ward, is a massive boost for the Bulldogs before their trip to third-placed Coolamon on Sunday.

"I've got a bulging disc in my back and have had sciatic nerve pain. It's pretty frustrating and it's one of those injuries where it's a day by day thing," Ashcroft said.

"Some days you wake up feeling not too bad, other days you're in a bit of pain. Once I got through the game (last week) I felt good. With a few more games under my belt hopefully the pain can go away for a while and I'll finish the season.

"The pain's been there for quite a while now so I have to accept it's going to be there somewhat, and I have to fight through it.

"It's a mindset thing. The physio keeps telling me the pain is going to be there, but if I fight through it I'm not doing any more damage.

"It doesn't hurt as such during a game, when I'm playing footy I think it's actually at its best."

IN OTHER NEWS

Ashcroft said a couple of the Bulldogs' close losses in particular were hard to watch, knowing he was powerless to help.

Coach Michael Mazzocchi has made a big call in dropping Chase Grintell, a co-coach of the side last year, to the reserves this weekend.

"It's a bit frustrating obviously not being able to play most of the season so far, but I'm happy to be out there now," he said.

"I thought I could have made a difference in a couple of games, but it is what is is. We've had a few young players come up obviously and they've had opportunities, so that's the good thing to come of it."

Ashcroft and Ward are the only established key forwards on Turvey Park's list, and their continued absence has been sorely felt.

They have only played one match together and Ashcroft is looking forward to working in tandem with the Canberra recruit.

"It's a bit of a shame because I was really looking forward to playing with Mitch. There's been a few years where we haven't had many key forwards," Ashcroft said.

"He leads well, he's smart, he's a good kick and knows how to deliver it, so hopefully in the back end of the season we can put some games together."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: