Bruce hoping for contract extension

By James Matthey

Dermott Brereton likened him to a young Mal Michael, but Eastlake junior Josh Bruce still has a way to go before convincing the GIANTS coaches that he deserves to stay at the western Sydney club.

The 21-year old defender has the second half of the season to impress coach-in-waiting Leon Cameron and persuade him to keep him at the club beyond 2013.

However, Bruce isn’t looking too far into the matter.

‘‘It’s still up in the air, I haven’t heard much with that side of things,’’ Bruce told The Canberra Times.

‘‘Obviously I’m just trying to play as many games as I can, that’s the main currency.

‘‘It’s not too bad, I’m just really, really happy to be playing AFL footy and, to be honest, those kind of things will hopefully take care of themselves.’’

While GWS co-captain Phil Davis has been sidelined with stress fractures in his back, Bruce has taken his opportunity with both hands to turn himself into a valuable member of the GIANTS backline.

He has played the last seven consecutive games since making his first senior appearance of the year in Round 6, carrying on his impressive NEAFL form into the cauldron that is top-flight AFL football.

Bruce is desperate to remain part of the GIANTS defensive line when Davis returns, hoping to combine with Tim Mohr when GWS come against the Western Bulldogs at Canberra’s Manuka Oval in three weeks.

‘‘I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the pressure and pace of the game, I feel more confident in my abilities,’’ said Bruce.

‘‘Hopefully I can slot in there as the third tall next to [Davis] and Tim Mohr.

‘‘I’d love to play here, I made my debut here, it was great fun, that’d be awesome to be part of that.’’

Bruce was joined in the nation’s capital by Davis as the two Canberra locals visited schools and hospitals in the area.

Davis is back up and running following his long injury lay-off, and is hoping to return to the field against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium after this week’s bye.

‘‘I’ve missed seven now so it’s been a pretty long time,’’ Davis said.

‘‘I’ve been running the last couple of weeks so I should be cherry ripe after the bye, so that’s the plan.’’

If Davis’ endorsements are any indication, Bruce shouldn’t have any trouble in securing another contract.

‘‘He deserved his spot, he’s worked hard for it in his time in the reserves and come in and done a really good job,’’ Davis said.

‘‘He’s a much-improved player, his kicking in particular has improved out of sight and he’s a very good one-on-one player.

‘‘He’s shown some very good signs … and if he can continue to progress the way he is, he’s in for a good career.’’