Four players have been added to an extended squad for Sunday’s clash with Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Veteran defender Dale Morris, Bailey Dale, Lachie Young and yet-to-debut midfielder-forward Rhylee West have been named in the squad of 26, alongside the 22 who defeated ladder-leaders Geelong on Saturday night.
A team will be confirmed on Friday at 5pm.
Star midfielder Tom Liberatore (knee) remains a week away from a return, while forward Billy Gowers (ankle) will come back through the VFL this week.
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The Bulldogs have won three of four matches following the bye, including back-to-back wins against top-eight teams Geelong and Port Adelaide.
They now sit in 12th spot on the ladder, just four points outside the top eight.
Melbourne will enter on the back of two wins in their past three matches, including a nail-biting win against Carlton last week.
Star ruckman Max Gawn will return from injury for the Dees, with defenders Jake Lever and Neville Jetta also to be included.
ROUND 17 TEAM
B: Jason Johannisen, Jackson Trengove, Hayden Crozier
HB: Taylor Duryea, Zaine Cordy, Easton Wood
C: Lachie Hunter, Bailey Smith, Pat Lipinski
HF: Matt Suckling, Josh Schache, Sam Lloyd
F: Aaron Naughton, Marcus Bontempelli, Tory Dickson
Foll: Tim English, Josh Dunkley, Jack Macrae
Int (ext.): Rhylee West, Toby McLean, Ed Richards, Bailey Dale, Bailey Williams, Roarke Smith, Dale Morris, Lachie Young
MATCH DETAILS
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
Marvel Stadium
Sunday 14 July
3.20pm AEST
For match information, click here.
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LAST TIME THEY MET
Round 17, 2018 – Melbourne proved too strong in the second half at the MCG, running away with a 50-point win after just three points separated the sides at the major break. Jesse Hogan and Tom McDonald combined for seven goals, while Angus Brayshaw (38 disposals) was the leading ball-winner on the ground. Lachie Hunter (35), Jack Macrae (33) and Josh Dunkley (30) all found plenty of the ball, while Mitch Wallis combined 29 touches with three goals.
BROADCAST INFO
TV – Channel 7, FOX Footy (both live from 3pm)
Radio – Triple M, 3AW, ABC Grandstand
