Hunter will be joined by fellow 2012 draftee Nathan Hrovat as the two inclusions to the Dogs’ line-up, with Hrovat returning for his third senior game after debuting in round nine against St Kilda.
A creative small forward / midfielder, Hunter has been pressing for senior selection in recent weeks, after impressive form for Dogs’ VFL-affiliate Williamstown this past month – including two three goal hauls, as well as four consecutive weeks on the best players’ list.
Bulldogs Strategy and Opposition Coach Brett Montgomery said the 18-year-old’s potency in the forward line and consistent performances in the VFL demanded attention at the selection table.
“We have a debutant this week in Lachie Hunter, who has really earned his spot down at Williamstown with some really solid performances, getting really dangerous around the forward line and hitting the scoreboard for us,” Montgomery said.
Hunter’s father Mark played 130-games for the Bulldogs between 1988 and 1996, with the Club recruiting the former Western Jet with its fourth selection in the 2012 AFL Draft (pick 49 overall).
After being named as an emergency against Collingwood, Hrovat comes back into the Dogs’ line-up to reunite with fellow 2012 first round draft picks Jack Macrae and Jake Stringer.
“Into the team [is] Nathan Hrovat – who was really stiff to go out of the team after making such a bright start to his career [against St Kilda and Port Adelaide],” Montgomery said.
The ex-Northern Knights captain averaged 16 disposals, four clearances and almost four tackles across his first two games of senior football, as well as providing line-breaking-pace through the midfield and pushing forward.
Koby Stevens (shoulder) and Dylan Addison (omitted) were both left out of the Bulldogs’ line-up that lost to Collingwood last Sunday afternoon.
