The Western Bulldogs have made two changes ahead of their trip to Canberra to face GWS on Saturday night.
Following on from a 29-point victory over Hawthorn, Tom Liberatore will return to the line-up, exiting concussion protocols early in the week and training strongly.
Ryan Gardner will play his first game for the season in the red, white and blue, replacing Tim O’Brien in defence after he suffered a quad injury.
Gardner was a standout performer during the 2022 season and has overcome a slate of injuries early in the season to find himself back in the senior side.
Lachlan McNeil has been omitted, while Toby McLean comes out of the matchday side after not being used as a substitute last weekend.
The Nation’s capital has proved a happy hunting ground for the Dogs, winning four of their past six matches at Manuka Oval.
The four emergencies are Rhylee West, Luke Cleary, Lachlan McNeil and Jordon Sweet, with one to be confirmed as this week’s substitute an hour before the first bounce.
The game will begin at 7.30pm AEST on Saturday and be broadcast live via Channel 7, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.
ROUND 8 TEAM
GWS v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 6 May, 7.30pm AEST
Manuka Oval
B: Taylor Duryea, Liam Jones, Ryan Gardner
HB: Bailey Dale, Alex Keath, Ed Richards
C: Oskar Baker, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Williams
HF: Bailey Smith, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Cody Weightman
F: Arthur Jones, Aaron Naughton, Rory Lobb
R: Tim English, Jack Macrae, Adam Treloar
Int: Jason Johannisen, Caleb Daniel, Anthony Scott, Tom Liberatore
Emerg: Rhylee West, Luke Cleary, Lachlan McNeil, Jordon Sweet
IN: Tom Liberatore, Ryan Gardner
OUT: Tim O'Brien (quad), Lachlan McNeil (omitted)
