The Western Bulldogs will welcome three experienced heads back into the fold when they take on North Melbourne on Saturday, with Ryan Griffen, Robert Murphy and Daniel Giansiracusa all named in the final side.
The veteran trio are set to greatly bolster the Bulldogs’ largely inexperienced lineup and provide a level of class and composure across the field, Assistant Coach Rohan Smith said.
“Won’t all Bulldogs supporters be happy with this one, with Ryan Griffen coming back in after recovering from his injury,” Smith said.
“He will slot in nicely right in the midfield just to inject a little bit of pace in there.”
467 games of experience will be added to the Bulldogs forward line against North Melbourne, bringing with it some welcomed goal sense and polish.
“We look to the forward line now and a couple of old heads come back in in Daniel Giansiracusa and Robert Murphy,” he said.
“Great to see those two guys come back in just to add that little bit of goal kicking prowess into our forward line.”
Lukas Markovic is also poised to play his first senior game for season 2013, after displaying impressive form in the VFL for Williamstown in recent weeks.
“There’s a great inclusion for the backs down there this week in Lukas Markovic,” he said.
“He’s been playing some terrific footy down at Williamstown and thoroughly deserves his spot, so he will slot nicely down into the back line.”
The 25-year-old’s inclusion will help shore up the Bulldogs key defensive stocks against North’s power forwards.
After returning from Perth on a six day turnaround, Jake Stringer and Jack Macrae have not been named in the side to take on North Melbourne due to general soreness.
Both draftees are expected to be in contention to be recalled against the Gold Coast in a fortnight.
“Macrae and Stringer have pulled up sore after the game travelling to Perth on the weekend, so they are going to have a rest,” he said.
Christian Howard and Koby Stevens have both been omitted from last weekend’s side.
To see the full team list to take on North Melbourne, click here.
