The Western Bulldogs have injected a mix of run and grunt to their 25 man squad set to take on West Coast Eagles on Sunday, with four inclusions named in the extended side.
Providing an experienced, mature body in the Bulldogs lineup, Dylan Addison is earmarked to play his first game for 2013, after a hamstring injury delayed the start to his season.
The 25-year-old has fought his way back into the team, impressing for VFL affiliate Williamstown in his past two outings – holding down roles up forward, in defence and on the wing.
Christian Howard, Lukas Markovic and Daniel Pearce have also been named on an extended bench after a strong showing in the VFL in recent weeks.
While Howard’s run and penetrating kick on the wing could bolster the Club’s running stocks, Markovic has been impenetrable in defence and provides another tall defensive option.
Pearce has worked tirelessly this pre-season honing his defensive craft, while also being trialled across the wing and up forward for Williamstown with success.
Brett Goodes is the only forced change, restricted to the sidelines for the next two weeks through suspension.
Assistant Coach Steven King said the ruck match-up between the competition's two premier big men Will Minson and Dean Cox will be one to watch.
“There’s going to be a very interesting battle, an intriguing battle between Will Minson and Dean Cox, two of the inform ruckmen of the competition,” King said.
“Hopefully Will can just keep giving us that drive out of his ruckwork that he’s been giving us [over] the last month.”
The ability of pacey young pup Jason Johannisen to cover ground and instigate attacks will also be a vital component in Sunday’s clash, after the 20-year-old's breakout game against Geelong in round five.
“Jason Johannisen had a standout game last week, I think getting 24 possessions and providing that run and drive that we need from our backline,” he said.
The Western Bulldogs will take on West Coast Eagles on Sunday 5 May 2013 at Patersons Stadium, with teams to be finalised on Friday.
View the full team lists for Sunday's clash between the Western Bulldogs and the West Coast Eagles
