Bailey Dale will be the Western Bulldogs second debutant of 2015, one of four inclusions for the Dogs’ match with Fremantle on Sunday.
Dale joins Mitch Wallis, Matthew Boyd and Lin Jong as inclusions for the Fremantle match after all three have recovered from injury.
Dale gets his chance after being named emergency against Adelaide in round four and St Kilda in round six, following impressive VFL form which included a two-goal, 28-disposal game against Collingwood in round three.
Recruited from the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup and originally from Edithvale/Aspendale, Dale brings silky skills and clever goal nous.
Bulldogs VFL coach Ashley Hansen said Dale had been rewarded for consistent efforts through the VFL.
“Bailey’s form has been really good at VFL level, certainly his work rate to get to the contest and create shots on goal for himself and for his teammates has been a highlight.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for him.”
Clay Smith comes out of the team after having knee surgery earlier in the week, while Jack Macrae, Nathan Hrovat and Lukas Webb have been omitted.
Round 7 Western Bulldogs v Fremantle
Sunday 16 May 2015, 1:10pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Full back | M Boyd | J Roughead | E Wood |
Half back | R Murphy | M Talia | J Johannisen |
Centreline | T Dickson | L Picken | K Stevens |
Half forward | M Honeychurch | J Stringer | M Wallis |
Full forward | S Crameri | T Boyd | L Dahlhaus |
Followers | A Cordy | L Jong | M Bontempelli |
Interchange | L Hunter | F Roberts | B Dale |
B Goodes | |||
Emergencies | J Macrae | N Hrovat | L Webb |
In: M Boyd, B Dale, L Jong, M Wallis
Out: C Smith (knee), J Macrae (omitted), N Hrovat (omitted), L Webb (omitted)
New: B Dale (Dandenong - TAC Cup)