The two veterans bring over 400-games of experience back to the Bulldogs’ midfield as they prepare to go head-to-head with a Collingwood engine-room laden with premiership players including Brownlow medallist Dane Swan and Scott Pendelbury.
View the full squads for both the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood for Sunday's match.
“Look at the midfield and isn’t it great to see Adam Cooney back in, just slotting in there nicely in the wing just to give us a bit of speed,” Assistant Coach Rohan Smith told BulldogsTV in the ‘WorkSafe Team Annoucnement.’
“And isn’t it also great to have our captain back just to go into the midfield just to add a little bit more hardness around the footy as well.”
Lukas Markovic and Tom Campbell have also been named on the extended bench providing potential size to Bulldogs’ forward line, as well as assistance to league-leading ruckman Will Minson.
Markovic has been impressive when given the opportunity at senior level this year, kicking five goals from two games at more than 83% accuracy.
The 26-year-old’s ability to hold down a defensive post, as well as his recent form forward, also provides flexibility for Brendan McCartney and his coaching staff.
21-year-old Campbell is also looking to add to his eight career games, providing a genuine ruck and forward option.
Making gains with his forward craft, Campbell’s recent VFL form for Williamstown has shown greater confidence in his marking overhead and his contested work when pushing forward.
“As we look to the bench this week…we’ve got a really god mix of youth, hardness and also some talls to go through the game on the weekend.”
Tom Williams is the only confirmed omission after he was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury sustained against Port Adelaide in Darwin.
The final 22 to face Collingwood will be named Friday afternoon ahead of the Sunday clash at Etihad Stadium.
View the full squads for both the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood for Sunday's match.
