The Western Bulldogs have made three changes ahead of Saturday’s Elimination Final against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
Bulldogs utility Toby McLean will make a triumphant return to the starting line-up for the final, coming into the 22 for the first time since Round 16 last year.
The 26-year-old, fresh off signing a new one-year contract extension, has fully recovered from an ACL reconstruction and performed strongly in the VFL over the past month.
Jason Johannisen returns from an ankle injury to take his place in the forward line, while Alex Keath bolsters the defensive stocks.
Veteran Taylor Duryea will miss the clash due to personal reasons, with the 31-year-old to remain in Melbourne awaiting the imminent birth of his first child.
Tom Liberatore won’t make the trip to Perth after injuring his hamstring during training last week.
Forward Josh Bruce has been omitted.
Key forward Aaron Naughton will celebrate his 100th match in his hometown, tallying 147 goals throughout his first five years in the game.
Stefan Martin, Josh Bruce, Robbie McComb and Taylor Duryea have been listed as emergencies.
One of the four will be confirmed as this week’s medical substitute an hour before the first bounce.
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, with the opening bounce at Optus Stadium set for 8.10pm AEST.
ELIMINATION FINAL TEAM
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 3 September, 8.10pm AEST
Optus Stadium
B: Ed Richards, Ryan Gardner, Zaine Cordy
HB: Bailey Williams, Alex Keath, Bailey Dale
C: Lachie Hunter, Josh Dunkley, Jack Macrae
HF: Adam Treloar, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Jason Johannisen
F: Cody Weightman, Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy
R: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Smith
Int: Laith Vandermeer, Caleb Daniel, Toby McLean, Roarke Smith
Emer: Stef Martin, Josh Bruce, Robbie McComb, Taylor Duryea
In: Alex Keath, Jason Johannisen, Toby McLean
Out: Josh Bruce (omitted), Tom Liberatore (hamstring), Taylor Duryea (personal reasons), Robbie McComb (medi-sub)
