The Western Bulldogs have named a near full strength squad for Saturday's opening NAB Challenge match against Richmond at Victoria University Whitten Oval.
Boom power forward recruit Tom Boyd appears set to make his debut in Bulldogs colours, while Joel Hamling and Josh Prudden also appear set to have their first senior outing for the Club.
Assistant coach Steven King said Boyd would help create a dynamic forward line.
“It’s been really good having him (Boyd) as a long option up forward to kick to.
“It will be good to have a presence, along with Ayce (Cordy), Jack Redpath, Tommy Campbell, Will Minson as well. We just want our big boys to compete, get in key positions and provide a contest.”
King said Hamling was more than ready for his chance after three years on Geelong’s list.
“He’s athletic, he’ll take the game on and he just keeps backing up and having a crack.
“He’s exciting to watch. No doubt his athleticism will hold him in good stead and I’m looking forward to him making the most of his opportunity.”
After being limited by injury in his first two season, Prudden has been named in the squad and looks set to play his first match in a Bulldogs senior side.
WESTERN BULLDOGS v RICHMOND
Whitten Oval (Melbourne), Saturday, February 28, 4.40pm AEDT
WESTERN BULLDOGS
1. Jarrad Grant, 2. Robert Murphy, 3. Mitch Wallis, 4. Marcus Bontempelli,5. Matthew Boyd, 6. Luke Dahlhaus, 7. Lachlan Hunter, 9. Jake Stringer, 10. Easton Wood, 11. Jackson Macrae, 13. Nathan Hrovat, 15 Tom Campbell, 17. Tom Boyd, 21. Tom Liberatore, 22. Mitch Honeychurch, 23. Jordan Roughead, 25. Koby Stevens, 27. Will Minson, 28. Josh Prudden,29. Tory Dickson, 30. Joel Hamling, 32. Michael Talia, 34. Jordan Kelly, 38. Dale Morris, 39. Jason Johannisen, 42. Liam Picken, 43. Jack Redpath, 46. Lin Jong, 49 Ayce Cordy
RICHMOND 2. Dylan Grimes, 5. Brandon Ellis, 6. Shaun Grigg, 10. Shane Edwards, 11. Jake Batchelor, 12. David Astbury, 13. Ricky Petterd, 15. Chris Knights, 16. Shaun Hampson, 22. Nathan Gordon, 26. Anthony Miles, 27. Sam Lloyd, 28. Taylor Hunt, 29. Ty Vickery, 30. Reece Conca, 31. Nick Vlastuin, 34. Liam McBean, 35. Ben Lennon, 36. Matt McDonough, 37. Connor Menadue, 38. Steve Morris, 39. Nathan Drummond, 40. Daniel Butler, 42. Reece McKenzie, 43. Todd Elton, 44. Matt Arnot, 45. Jayden Short, 46. Jason Castagna, 48. Kane Lambert
