The fairytale rise is set to continue for Western Bulldogs rookie elevation Brett Goodes, with the 29-year-old poised to make his much anticipated senior debut on Saturday against Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.
Assistant Coach Shannon Grant said it was great to see the rebounding defender get his AFL chance in the season opener, after a solid showing in the pre-season.
“Congratulations to Brett Goodes who looks like he will be coming in and playing his first game for the football club,” Grant said.
Goodes joins fellow mature-aged recruits Nick Lower, Koby Stevens and Tom Young, who will all line up for their first game in Bulldogs colours for the 2013 AFL Premiership season.
The inclusion of Lower and Stevens brings hardened bodies around the ball, with both midfielders proving their worth in both attacking and defensive roles in the Dogs’ NAB Cup campaign
While Goodes’ rebound and penetrating kick have been of great value in the back six, Young secured his selection with a standout performance against Fremantle where he demonstrated his ability to play a lock down role on both small and tall opponents.
Further bolstering the Bulldogs’ defense is the official return of Dale Morris, who has not played a senior game since breaking his leg against Essendon in round 22, 2011.
“Great to see Dale Morris back to play his first game for quite some time – he has played on some big players over the last month and he has had terrific form down back, so I am sure all the Doggies fans will love seeing him back in the fold,” he said.
Both Adam Cooney and Shaun Higgins have also been named in the starting side, their inclusion bringing experience and polish to the Bulldogs’ midfield.
In the absence of Matthew Boyd, 230-game veteran Robert Murphy has been appointed captain for the season opener, with his natural leadership skills making him a lock for the added responsibility.
Boyd will be restricted to the sidelines for two to three weeks rehabilitating a calf injury, while senior coach Brendan McCartney confirmed Tom Williams is expected to rejoin full training next week.
Dylan Addison will also be unavailable for selection as he continues to rehabilitate a hamstring injury he endured in last weekend’s Williamstown intraclub hitout.
Jason Tutt, Tom Campbell and Lukas Markovic have been named as emergencies for the weekend’s clash.
The Western Bulldogs will go head to head with Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium from 1:40pm, in a game that has been dubbed the ‘gathering of the pack.’
“Everyone is certainly looking forward to the round one clash on Saturday afternoon, if you can get down there we would love to see you – all the support we can get, the better,” Grant said.
WESTERN BULLDOGS v BRISBANE LIONS
1:40pm, Saturday 30th March 2013, Etihad Stadium
B Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Liam Picken
HB Jason Johannisen, Tom Young, Brett Goodes
C Adam Cooney, Nick Lower, Koby Stevens
HF Tory Dickson, Liam Jones, Daniel Giansiracusa
F Robert Murphy, Ayce Cordy, Luke Dahlhaus
FOL Will Minson, Tom Liberatore, Ryan Griffen
I/C Mitch Wallis, Daniel Cross, Shaun Higgins,Clay Smith
EMG Jason Tutt, Lukas Markovic, Tom Campbell
