Off-season recruit Joel Hamling will make his AFL debut, named as one of six inclusions for the Bulldogs when they face the Giants on Saturday.

Jack Macrae, Nathan Hrovat, Will Minson, Jarrad Grant and Lukas Webb will also come into the side after strong VFL performances.

Bulldogs assistant coach Rohan Smith said all players had earned their call-up to the senior side, including Macrae who amassed a total of 63 possessions in his last two matches at VFL level.

“(Jack’s) been back (in the VFL) a couple of weeks now and he’s really done the things that we were after, we really wanted him to work on that defensive side of his game and he was able to do that in the VFL and also work on his offensive side of the game.

“We had no hesitation in picking him this week.”

Hrovat and Grant also return to the side after being a vital part of Footscray’s 146-point win last weekend.

“(Nathan’s) been lively at VFL, he’s gone about his work really well and his forward craft is something we’ve really missed over the last couple of weeks.

“Granty’s first half at VFL level was the best I’ve nearly seen him play.

“We’re looking forward to him getting back into our side, giving us a little bit of spark, a little bit of pace and that defensive structure as well.”

Webb had 33 disposals and kicked three goals in Sunday’s VFL win, while Minson’s consistency in the state league has earned him a call up to the senior side.

After three years on Geelong’s list, and arriving at the Bulldogs at the end of 2014, Hamling will make his AFL debut.

As a key defender, Smith was positive Hamling would provide a solid contribution to the back six this weekend.

“It’s great that Hammers is playing his first game of footy.

“He’s been playing some great footy, some really good defensive stuff, he’s strong in the contest and that’s something we’re looking forward to on the weekend.”

Smith says his side will face a tough challenge against the Giants, but are ready to avenge a disappointing loss against Melbourne in round eight.

“We know that we were better than what we showed on the weekend.

“We’ve played some fantastic footy and we can’t shy away from that and if we bring our best game on the weekend, it’s really going to take it up to the Giants.”

Brett Goodes goes out of the side after suffering a broken arm against Melbourne last week, while Stewart Crameri will miss due to an adductor injury.

Lachie Hunter, Lin Jong, Ayce Cordy and Michael Talia have been omitted.

ROUND 9 – Western Bulldogs v Greater Western Sydney
Saturday 30 May, 4:35pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium

In: W Minson, J Grant, N Hrovat, J Hamling, J Macrae, L Webb

Out: B Goodes (broken arm), S Crameri (adductor), A Cordy, M Talia, L Hunter, L Jong (omitted)

New: J Hamling (Geelong)