Two changes have been made to the Western Bulldogs’ line-up for Saturday night’s match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
The Bulldogs will be without two important players to face the Bombers.
Rebounding defender Caleb Daniel was ruled out earlier this week with a hamstring injury, while tough midfielder Tom Liberatore will miss due to knee soreness.
However, the Bulldogs will regain experienced defender Taylor Duryea after missing last week with groin tightness.
First-year player Will Hayes will also return on the back of strong form at VFL level, for his sixth match at AFL level and his first since round nine.
Hayes has averaged almost 20 disposals per game at VFL level this season, finishing with 17 disposals and a goal in Footscray’s win against Frankston last week.
Lewis Young, Rhylee West, Roarke Smith and Lachie Young are the emergencies.
The Bulldogs will be desperate for a win to stay in touch with the top eight.
They currently sit in 10th spot on the AFL ladder, just one game outside the top eight. A win would close the gap on the seventh-placed Bombers to just four points.
ROUND 21 TEAM
B: Taylor Duryea Jackson Trengove, Hayden Crozier
HB: Jason Johannisen, Zaine Cordy, Easton Wood
C: Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards
HF: Bailey Dale, Josh Schache, Sam Lloyd
F: Bailey Smith, Aaron Naughton, Tory Dickson
Foll: Tim English, Josh Dunkley, Jack Macrae
Int: Matt Suckling, Toby McLean, Pat Lipinski, Will Hayes
Emer: Lewis Young, Rhylee West, Roarke Smith, Lachie Young
In: Taylor Duryea, Will Hayes
Out: Caleb Daniel (hamstring), Tom Liberatore (knee)
MATCH DETAILS
Essendon v Western Bulldogs
Marvel Stadium
Saturday 10 August
7.25pm AEST
For match information, click here.
LAST TIME WE MET
Round 3, 2018 – The Bulldogs claimed the EJ Whitten Cup with a 21-point win against the Bombers in early 2018, leading at every change. They controlled the ball – tallying 417 disposals to 323, and collecting 152 marks to the Bombers’ 80. Lachie Hunter was prolific with 35 disposals to pick up the three Brownlow votes, with Toby McLean (25 disposals and two goals) and Bailey Williams (26 disposals and one goal) rounding out the Brownlow voting. Marcus Bontempelli had an impact up forward with three majors, while David Zaharakis led the way for the Bombers with 26 touches.
BROADCAST INFO
TV – FOX Footy (live from 7.20pm)
Radio – Triple M, ABC, 3AW, 3ZZZ*
*3ZZZ will broadcast the match in Hindi, via 92.3FM, Digital Radio ZZZethnic or through www.3zzz.com.au
