Adam Cooney will take the reigns as the Western Bulldogs captain in tonight’s NAB Challenge clash against St Kilda, kicking off at Simonds Stadium at 7:10pm.

The 201-gamer will stand in as skipper in the absence of Ryan Griffen who will miss tonight’s game.

Cooney is not foreign to the captaincy duties, having taken on the role in last year’s NAB Cup clash against Fremantle just over a year ago.

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The Bulldogs have named a relatively inexperienced side to take on St Kilda, giving their young brigade a chance to step up and become accustomed to the rigours of senior AFL.

While last year’s first round draftees Jack Macrae and Jake Stringer will be honing their craft through the midfield and forward of centre respectively, Lin Jong is set to play his first senior game since 2012 in a midfield role.

In the Bulldogs’ attacking half Stewart Crameri will pull on the Bulldogs guernsey for the first time, giving guidance to developing forwards Tom Campbell and Ayce Cordy who have both had big pre-seasons.

At the other end of the ground young defenders Michael Talia and  Jack Redpath will take on the task of disarming St Kilda’s tall forwards.

The Western Bulldogs' final 26-man team will be named 90 minutes before the first bounce at 7:10pm.