Caleb Daniel will be unveiled as the Bulldogs’ fifth debutant of season 2015, named as one of three inclusions to the side that will play Carlton Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.
Alongside Daniel, Power forward Jack Redpath and Mitch Honeychurch return to the senior line-up as the Bulldogs chase their third win in as many weeks at the Docklands venue.
VIDEO: Watch highlights of Jack Redpath's five goal VFL performance last Sunday.
First-year players Bailey Dale and Lukas Webb have been omitted from the side that defeated St Kilda last Saturday night, while forward Tom Boyd will be sidelined with knee soreness.
Recruited from SANFL club South Adelaide with pick 46 in the 2014 AFL Draft, Daniel’s form for Footscray in the VFL has demanded the Bulldogs match committee’s attention.
Expected to line-up in the forward half, but having also played through the midfield at VFL level, Daniel will be the Bulldogs’ fourth debutant from last year’s draft class.
Having lined-up during the NAB Challenge for the Bulldogs, Assistant Coach Steven King believes Daniel has the tools to slot straight into the AFL ranks.
“With every player we’ve played this year, every debutant, they’ve earned their spot and Caleb is no different,” King said.
“He’s showed really great form at VFL level, he’s creative and got great agility, speed and endurance.
“He’s played against men before being drafted from the SANFL, he’s come in and doesn’t like to waste a possession and it’s going to be really exciting to watch him play.”
Replacing the injured Boyd, Redpath returns to the senior line-up for the first time since the Dogs’ opening round win over the Eagles. His consistency in the key forward post at VFL level making him the natural replacement.
“We challenged Jack to go away and [play consistent footy] for a period of time,” King said.
“It’s his work-rate, defensive efforts, and getting around the group at VFL level has given him his opportunity.”
Rising Star nominee Honeychurch is the final inclusion, and will join Redpath in the Dogs’ front half.
“We just love his forward pressure, his hardness at the footy… what he brings intensity wise and helps keep the ball in our forward half,” King said.
The Bulldogs face Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, with the first bounce scheduled for 7:20pm.
The match will be veteran defender Matthew Boyd’s 250th for the Club, while Koby Stevens will play his 50th game in the red, white and blue.
Pre-match the Bulldogs along with major partner Mission Foods and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment will screen animated movie HOME on the big screens in a special school holiday event. The movie will commence off at 5:20pm sharp.
ROUND 14 – Western Bulldogs v Carlton
Saturday 4 July, 7:20pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Full back | E Wood | J Hamling | M Boyd |
Half back | R Murphy | F Roberts | J Johannisen |
Centreline | J Macrae | M Bontempelli | T Dickson |
Half forward | L Dahlhaus | J Roughead | J Grant |
Full forward | M Wallis | J Redpath | J Stringer |
Followers | W Minson | K Stevens | L Picken |
Interchange | T McLean | M Honeychurch | C Daniel |
D Morris | |||
Emergencies | L Webb | B Dale | A Cordy |
In: Jack Redpath, Caleb Daniel (New - South Adelaide, SANFL), Mitch Honeychurch
Out: Tom Boyd (knee), Lukas Webb (omitted), Bailey Dale (omitted)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW CARLTON'S TEAM FOR SATURDAY'S MATCH AT ETIHAD STADIUM.