The Western Bulldogs will regain the services of leading goal kicker Daniel Giansiracusa this weekend, with the veteran one of five inclusions to take on Carlton on Saturday night.
After missing two weeks through injury, Giansiracusa will return to the fold to line up against the 12th placed Blues, adding a number of years’ experience to the Bulldogs forward stocks.
Key defender Mark Austin has also been recalled to replace Lukas Markovic who endured a hamstring injury last week against Hawthorn, according to Skills Acquisition Coach Rohan Smith.
“Great to see Gia back in, 200 game champion of the Club - adds a little bit of experience to our forward line, so welcome him back,” Smith said.
“Austin was a clear replacement for Lukas Markovic last week who did a hamstring.”
Patrick Veszpremi, Jarrad Grant and Daniel Pearce round out the inclusions, rewarded for their efforts playing for VFL affiliate Williamstown in previous weeks.
Slotting straight back into the back six, Veszpremi’s pace and penetrating kick will be beneficial in counteracting Carlton’s lively small forwards.
“Great to see Patty Veszpremi back in the team this week - we look to get a little run off half back and his long kicking inside 50 as well,” Smith said.
The addition of Pearce on the interchange bench will further strengthen the Bulldogs defensive run as he prepares for his third career game.
Grant will also return to the senior side for his first game since round 8, having spent a number of weeks playing for Williamstown honing the defensive side to his game.
“Jarrad Grant… has missed a lot of the season basically going back to Williamstown and playing the right way that we want to play,” Smith said.
“It is great that he gets a chance back into the team this week.”
His versatility across the ground coming off the bench will be useful as the game plays out.
Lukas Markovic (hamstring), Clay Smith (calf) and Tory Dickson (adductor) will miss this weekend’s clash through injury, while Ryan Hargrave and Justin Sherman have been omitted.
