Three senior players will be welcomed back into the Western Bulldogs line up for their round seven clash with ladder-leaders Fremantle.
Matthew Boyd, Lin Jong and Mitch Wallis will all return from injury on Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
Boyd and Jong both missed the round six match against St Kilda, while Wallis returns after injuring his back against Hawthorn in round three.
Bulldogs assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa said Boyd would be an important addition after his consistent start to the season.
“He was really close last week, but to get a bit of experience in the back half and a bit of composure, he’s been fantastic in that role this year.
“Hopefully he can put his best foot forward again and really add to the side coming in.”
Wallis and Jong will both bring depth to a midfield tasked with combating the most efficient side in the competition.
“It’s a key, we want a lot of depth through that area of the ground and we want a lot of guys to go through there.
“They were in fantastic form before they got injured and hopefully they can step straight back and get to that form… and get a win against Fremantle.”
The Dockers are currently second in the competition for disposals and Giansiracusa said it was integral the Bulldogs get first use of the football.
“It’s vital and it is every week, if you can get first use of the ball and then you can put it in your territory and keep it in your half.
“It’s going to be vital that we also put on a huge amount of pressure, that’s been the cornerstone of our game.
“It’s going to be a focus, the boys have really brought that to every game and nothing changes this week.”
Bailey Dale has also once again been named on an extended bench and sits on the verge of a senior debut Sunday, after being named as an emergency against Adelaide in round four and St Kilda in round six.
The Western Bulldogs team to face the Dockers will be finalised and named at 5:00pm on Friday afternoon.
ROUND 7 – Western Bulldogs v Fremantle
Sunday 17 May 2015, 1:10pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
| Full back | M Boyd | J Roughead | E Wood |
| Half back | R Murphy | M Talia | J Johannisen |
| Centreline | T Dickson | L Picken | K Stevens |
| Half forward | M Honeychurch | J Stringer | M Wallis |
| Full forward | S Crameri | T Boyd | L Dahlhaus |
| Followers | A Cordy | L Jong | M Bontempelli |
| Interchange from | L Hunter | J Macrae | N Hrovat |
| F Roberts | L Webb | B Dale | |
| B Goodes |
In: M Boyd, M Wallis, L Jong, B Dale
Out: C Smith (knee)
New: B Dale (Dandenong U18 – TAC Cup)
