Shaun Higgins is set to make his return to competitive football in the Western Bulldogs’ second NAB Challenge clash on Wednesday, when the side takes on Fremantle at Etihad Stadium.
The 25-year-old had an extended stint on the sidelines rehabilitating a foot injury since round three last year but has re-joined full contact training over the past fortnight.
Another addition from a lengthy absence is Tom Williams, who will play his first game since round ten in 2013, where he sustained a shoulder injury.
The athletic and versatile tall has completed an encouraging pre-season where he has been used as a forward in match simulated drills.
Four players are also in line to play their first game for 2014, after missing last Wednesday’s encounter against St Kilda.
While Daniel Giansiracusa and Liam Jones will add more potency in the Bulldogs attacking half, Jason Johannisen and Jordan Roughead will solidify the Club’s defence.
The Bulldogs extended squad will be reduced to a 26-man lineup ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle
Wednesday 26 February 2014, 7:10pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
IN: Shaun Higgins, Tom Williams, Daniel Giansiracusa, Jason Johannisen, Jordan Roughead, Liam Jones
OUT: Fletcher Roberts, Daniel Pearce, Nathan Hrovat, Matt Fuller, Sam Darley, Ayce Cordy
Full Teams listed below:
WESTERN BULLDOGS
3. Mitch Wallis, 5. Matthew Boyd, 6. Luke Dahlhaus, 7. Shaun Higgins, 8. Stewart Crameri, 9. Jake Stringer, 10. Easton Wood, 11. Jackson Macrae, 12. Tom Williams, 13. Daniel Giansiracusa, 15. Jason Tutt, 17. Adam Cooney, 19. Liam Jones, 21. Tom Liberatore, 22. Mitch Honeychurch, 23. Jordan Roughead, 25. Koby Stevens, 26. Lachlan Hunter, 27. Will Minson, 29. Tory Dickson, 31. Tom Young, 32. Michael Talia, 38. Dale Morris, 39. Jason Johanissen, 42. Liam Picken, 43. Jack Redpath, 44. Brett Goodes, 45. Tom Campbell, 46. Lin Jong
FREMANTLE
1. Hayden Ballantyne, 3. Zac Dawson, 4. Colin Sylvia, 6. Danyle Pearce, 7. Nat Fyfe, 9. Matt de Boer, 10. Michael Walters, 11. Tommy Sheridan, 13. Tendai Mzungu, 15. Ryan Crowley, 16. David Mundy, 17. Hayden Crozier, 18. Luke McPharlin, 19. Scott Gumbleton, 20. Matt Taberner, 21. Michael Barlow, 22. Tanner Smith, 23. Chris Mayne, 24. Max Duffy, 27. Lachie Neale, 29. Matthew Pavlich, 31. Aaron Sandilands, 32. Stephen Hill, 33. Cam Sutcliffe, 34. Lee Spurr, 37. Michael Johnson, 38. Jack Hannath, 41. Paul Duffield, 46. Clancee Pearce
