Covering the loss of star defender Jason Johannisen will be tough, but teammate Mitch Wallis believes the Western Bulldogs have the options to do just that.
Johannisen, who sustained an ankle syndesmosis injury during pre-season match simulation, is expected to return to full training over the next month.
His absence will provide a number of players the opportunity to step up, starting with Sunday’s JLT Community Series clash with Gold Coast Suns at Mackay.
Among the candidates according to Wallis are second-year Bulldog Hayden Crozier, new recruit Taylor Duryea and the experience Matt Suckling, who missed a large chunk of 2018 through injury himself.
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“Hayden Crozier had a great year last year obviously coming over from the west and solidifying himself in that backline, so he’s one who could fill that role,” Wallis told SEN1116.
“Then you’ve got Taylor Duryea… coming across from Hawthorn, who’s got really elite foot skills, and then ‘Suckers’ as well.
“We’ve got a fair few high half-back, back pocket players that are really good ball users that can exploit that new (kick-in) rule.
“JJ’s probably three or four weeks away… but it’ll definitely be a welcome return when he does get back.”
Wallis is confident the Bulldogs not only have the depth to cover that spot, but the talent within the wider squad to challenge the competition’s best in 2019.
“I know we’re full of optimism and belief that we’ve got the team and a 22 to really fight our way back up the ladder,” Wallis said.
“We believe in our system.
“You talk about the kids coming through, and ‘Doc’ Duryea and Sammy Lloyd coming from different AFL clubs with their experience, we’re very confident that we can match it with the best and work our way up the ladder.”
