One league debutant and two club debutants headlines selection news for the Western Bulldogs for Friday night’s season-opener against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.
As revealed on Thursday morning, mature-age recruit Ben Cavarra will play his first AFL game, while off-season recruits Josh Bruce and Alex Keath will pull on the red, white and blue for the first time.
Rising star Aaron Naughton has also been declared fit, having overcome a minor knee injury to take his place in the side.
Cavarra earns his call-up on the back of a strong pre-season in his second year as a Bulldog.
The 24-year-old small forward was overlooked at multiple drafts, before being welcomed to VU Whitten Oval at the end of 2018.
After an injury-affected 2019, he has finally got his chance.
The Bulldogs have seven changes from last year’s elimination final team.
Joining the three newcomers in the side are Mitch Wallis, Caleb Daniel, Bailey Williams and Ryan Gardner.
Wallis will play his first AFL game since round 10 last year.
Josh Schache, Toby McLean, Ed Richards and yet-to-debut ruckman Jordon Sweet have been named as the emergencies.
Pat Lipinski was unavailable for selection after sustaining a concussion injury in the Bulldogs’ second Marsh Community Series match.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the match will be played behind closed doors, with quarters reduced to 16 minutes plus time on.
The match will be broadcast live by Channel 7 and FOX Footy.
ROUND 1 TEAM
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
Friday 20 March, 7.50pm AEDT
Marvel Stadium
B: Alex Keath, Zaine Cordy, Easton Wood
HB: Hayden Crozier, Jason Johannisen, Caleb Daniel
C: Bailey Smith, Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter
HF: Bailey Dale, Josh Bruce, Matt Suckling
F: Mitch Wallis, Aaron Naughton, Sam Lloyd
Foll: Tim English, Josh Dunkley, Jack Macrae
Int: Lewis Young, Ben Cavarra, Bailey Williams, Ryan Gardner
Emer: Josh Schache, Toby McLean, Ed Richards, Jordon Sweet
