Emerging power forward Tom Boyd has been named to take on the Gold Coast Suns in Cairns on Saturday afternoon, amongst four inclusions for Luke Beveridge’s men for the match.
The Bulldogs senior coach will also unveil his sixth debutant for the season, with young midfielder Josh Prudden to be given his chance in the AFL ranks.
Key defender Michael Talia and midfielder Lachie Hunter also return to the senior side for the first time since the Round 8 loss to Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
While Boyd returns to the senior line-up after missing last weekend’s win over Carlton with knee soreness, Talia comes in to replace the injured Joel Hamling and is expected to assume a key defensive post.
Mitch Honeychurch (back), Toby McLean (shoulder), Jordan Roughead (back) and Hamling (back) are all forced changes due to injury, coming out of last weekend’s winning line-up.
In his third season at the Kennel, Prudden will becomes the final member of 2012 draft crop to debut in the red, white and blue.
Taken at pick 50 overall, Prudden will line-up with three of his fellow draftee class members – Jake Stringer, Jack Macrae and Lachie Hunter – with Nathan Hrovat unavailable due to injury.
Injury has plagued Prudden through the early stages of his career, but an uninterrupted preseason and strong VFL form has earned the former Murray Bushranger his AFL start.
His work ethic a standout feature of Prudden’s football journey to date says Assistant Coach Rohan Smith.
“Prudds will probably play mainly down back, and a bit through the midfield,” Smith said.
“He’s a really strong bodied kid and his work ethic is amazing.
“Some of the stuff he’s been producing down at VFL level has been terrific.
“His ball use is really good, he’s a beautiful left foot kick, but he can also roll onto the right foot as well. His kills are superb.”
VIDEO: Watch Josh Prudden's VFL highlights for the Footscray Bulldogs.
With Jack Redpath retaining his place in the Dogs’ line-up, the return of Tom Boyd will see a different combination in front of goal to recent weeks.
Smith expects Boyd to pick up where he left off, before he missed last Saturday’s win over the Blues through injury.
“Nothing changes for Boydy. The contest that he’s got to give down the line, the contest he gives in the forward line, his defensive pressure, that’s what’s we’ll expect from him.”
The Bulldogs play the Gold Coast Suns at Cazalys Stadium, Cairns on Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce scheduled for 4:35pm (AEST).
ROUND 15 – Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday 11 July, 4:35pm
Venue: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
| Full back | E Wood | D Morris | M Boyd |
| Half back | R Murphy | F Roberts | J Johannisen |
| Centreline | J Macrae | M Bontempelli | T Dickson |
| Half forward | L Dahlhaus | T Boyd | J Grant |
| Full forward | M Wallis | J Redpath | J Stringer |
| Followers | W Minson | K Stevens | L Picken |
| Interchange | L Hunter | J Prudden | M Talia |
| C Daniel | |||
| Emergencies | L Webb | B Dale | A Cordy |
In: Tom Boyd, Michael Talia, Josh Prudden (New - Murray Bushrangers), Lachie Hunter
Out: Mitch Honeychurch (back), Toby McLean (shoulder), Jordan Roughead (back) and Hamling (back)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW GOLD COAST'S TEAM FOR SATURDAY'S MATCH AT CAZALYS STADIUM.
