Laith Vandermeer will play his first game in nearly eight weeks when he lines up for Footscray VFL this weekend against Southport.

Vandermeer suffered a broken fibula on the eve of the AFL season, sidelining him for the opening month and a half of football.

Joining him in the ‘Scray side is fellow AFL-listed Bulldog Hayden Crozier, who has also been cleared to play following a back injury a fortnight ago, and new rookie James O’Donnell, who will make his red, white and blue debut.

Taylor Duryea, Tim O’Brien and Toby McLean all come out of the team after receiving senior call-ups, while Mitch Hannan, Robbie McComb and Jamieson Ballantyne have been included.

Tristan Maple and Joel Garner have also been cut, but named as emergencies for the clash.

The VFL side will do battle with the Sharks from 12.05pm tomorrow afternoon at the ETU Stadium (North Port Oval).

The match will be livestreamed via afl.com.au/vfl, with score updates available via @FootscrayVFL on Twitter.

VFL Team – Round 5

Footscray v Southport
Saturday 22 April, 12.05pm AEST
ETU Stadium (North Port Oval)

B: Ryan Gardner, Jedd Busslinger, Hayden Crozier
HB: Jay Rantall, Sam Darcy, Luke Cleary
C: Charlie Clarke, Lachlan Sullivan, Caleb Poulter
HF: James O’Donnell, Buku Khamis, Laitham Vandermeer
F: Rhylee West, Mitch Hannan, Cody Raak
R: Jordon Sweet, Lachlan McNeil, Robbie McComb

INT: Luke Goater, Ewan MacPherson, Cooper Craig-Peters, Dan Orgill, Jamieson Ballantyne             

EMG: Joshua Chatfield, Josh Patullo, Joel Garner, Tristan Maple, Josh Kellett, Sam Willoughby