After 342 days, Josh Bruce will make a triumphant return to the Bulldogs line-up under the Friday night lights against St Kilda.

The key forward hasn’t played a game of AFL since injuring his ACL in Round 21 last season and will be a welcome return to the front half alongside Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

Bailey Smith comes into the side after missing a month through suspension, continuing a stellar season averaging 32 disposals a game.

20:12

Luke Beveridge | 'We believe our system and methodology is there'

Luke Beveridge speaks to the media ahead of the Round 18 clash with St Kilda.

Buku Khamis and Lachlan McNeil have also been included in the 22, allowing flexibility at both ends of the ground.

Lachie Hunter and Josh Schache will both miss due to AFL Health and Safety protocols, while Dominic Bedendo has been omitted.

Anthony Scott won’t play against the Saints due to concussion, while Aaron Naughton has overcome his knee soreness to be named.

Both the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda will play for the Barker-Whitten Challenge Plate, named in honour of legendary duo Ted Whitten and Trevor Barker.

03:20

Match Committee | Round 18

Join Julian De Stoop and Liam Pickering to preview the Round 18 clash with the Saints, thanks to Pedigree.

The Plate highlights the Trevor Barker Foundation and the EJ Whitten Foundation – both of which partner with Challenge, an organisation dedicated to supporting children and their families living with cancer.

The emergencies are Tim O’Brien, Luke Cleary, Roarke Smith and Jordon Sweet.

A player will be confirmed as the medical sub an hour before the first bounce.

Channel 7 and Fox Footy will broadcast the game live.

ROUND 18 TEAM 
Western Bulldogs v St Kilda
Friday 15 July, 7.50pm AEST
Marvel Stadium

B: Ed Richards, Ryan Gardner, Buku Khamis
HB: Mitch Hannan, Alex Keath, Bailey Dale
C: Bailey Williams, Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae
HF: Rhylee West, Josh Bruce, Bailey Smith 
F: Marcus Bontempelli, Aaron Naughton, Cody Weightman
R: Tim English, Josh Dunkley, Adam Treloar
Int: Jason Johannisen, Riley Garcia, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Lachlan McNeil
Emer: Tim O’Brien, Roarke Smith, Luke Cleary, Jordon Sweet.

In: Bailey Smith, Josh Bruce, Buku Khamis, Lachlan McNeil
Out: Lachie Hunter (H&S protocols), Josh Schache (H&S protocols), Anthony Scott (concussion), Dom Bedendo (omitted), Robbie McComb (medi-sub)

Last week’s sub: R. McComb (replaced Anthony Scott)