Dominant VFL displays in recent weeks has seen Mitch Wallis recalled to the Western Bulldogs’ senior side to play Port Adelaide on Saturday, while young defender Michael Talia will get his first opportunity at AFL level this season.
A direct replacement for injured captain Matthew Boyd, Wallis earns his opportunity after impressing for Williamstown, collecting 36 possessions and ten clearances against Bendigo Gold on Saturday.
Boyd has been ruled out of the Darwin clash with a minor calf strain which should see him sidelined until after the bye weekend.
Emerging defender Tom Young has also not made the trip north for the Port Adelaide clash, with a calf injury forcing the 21 year-old out of the senior line-up for the first time since debuting with the Dogs in round one.
Young’s injury provides Talia with his first foray into the AFL ranks for 2013.
Talia played four senior matches at the end of last season, including a 23 disposals and nine mark performance against Brisbane in round 23.
Assistant Coach Steven King said Talia has been in fine form after returning from a broken jaw earlier in the season and thoroughly deserves his opportunity.
“Tals has been in great form back at Williamstown in the last couple of weeks – he came back from that jaw incident he had there a month ago [and] has been going really well,” King said.
All three of the Club’s 2012 first round draft picks will line-up together for the second consecutive week – Jake Stringer, Jack Macrae and last week’s debutant Nathan Hrovat.
Hrovat joins Wallis, Koby Stevens and Daniel Giansiracusa on the initial bench in the named sides for Saturday’s clash.
“On the bench, [it was] fantastic to see Koby Stevens play his best game for the club last week and Nathan Hrovat coming in and providing a lot of drive and enthusiasm amongst the group,” King said.
“Obviously there with Wallis and Gia, gives us a nice rounded bench with plenty of experience and also a lot of youth and exuberance as well.”
The Western Bulldogs take on Port Adelaide at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday, with the first bounce scheduled for 7:40pm (EST).
Darwin recall for Wallis and Talia
A dominant VFL display has seen Mitch Wallis recalled to the Western Bulldogs’ senior side against Port Adelaide on Saturday, while defender Michael Talia is poised to play his first AFL game this season.
