The Western Bulldogs are set to blood their third debutant in season 2013 on Saturday, with first round draft pick Nathan Hrovat given the nod for the St Kilda clash.
The speedy small midfielder was rewarded for his solid form at Williamstown playing through the centre as well as pushing forward on occasion to hit the scoreboard.
“Terrific to see Nathan Hrovat into the side for his first senior game of AFL footy,” Assistant Coach Shannon Grant said.
“Once again another young kid who was drafted pretty high last year, [he] has thoroughly deserved his opportunity after some really good form at Williamstown over the last month or so.
“[We have had] some good talent breaking through into the team over the last three or four weeks and certainly looking forward to seeing how they perform for us on the weekend.”
Watch Nathan Hrovat's VFL highlights from last weekend's win against Frankston for Williamstown.
The ex-Northern Knights captain joins fellow 2012 first round draft picks Jack Macrae and Jake Stringer to debut in this season.
Versatile tall Tom Williams will also make his first appearance in Bulldogs colours for the season, named at full forward after making the switch from defence at the end of last season.
“Great to see Tommy Williams back in the senior side, he’s worked extremely hard so far this year to be able to get himself into a position to be able to play and we certainly welcome him back,” he said.
Adding some defensive grunt to the Bulldogs’ forward stocks, Dylan Addison has also been recalled to the senior side after playing for VFL affiliate Williamstown last weekend.
“Our forward line’s got a little bit of a different mix to it this week, great to see Dylan Addison come back into the team,” he said.
“He’s gone back to Williamstown and played a significant role there for us and thoroughly deserves his opportunity back in the senior side.”
A hamstring injury has seen Adam Cooney ineligible to play this weekend, while Daniel Cross and Lukas Markovic have been omitted.
View the full Western Bulldogs’ side to take on St Kilda on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.
