Watch Coach Brendan McCartney talk you through the Bulldogs line-up on the media player above or on the Club Mobile App.

Undergoing a fitness test in the Dogs final training session before the hit-out, Cooney has been deemed fit to line up against Geelong to bolster the midfield stocks. 

Pearce has been given the call up to don the red, white and blue guernsey for the first time after impressing on a number of occasions for VFL affiliate Williamstown.

The athletic nineteen year old will provide versatility through defence and the midfield - he has also been handed a number of run with roles through the VFL. 

Senior Coach Brendan McCartney said there will be some fantastic young talent on the interchange bench this week with the inclusion of Pearce.

“Young Daniel Pearce comes into the team for his first senior game for the Western Bulldogs,” McCartney said.

“We made some changes based around form, one from suspension and some unavailability.”

Defender Patrick Veszpremi and versatile big man Jordan Roughead have also been recalled to the senior side after missing the Darwin clash with groin and calf complaints respectively. 

A dynamic performance from Zephaniah Skinner against Gold Coast Suns in Darwin also ensures that he retains his spot for another week. 

Defender Dylan Addison was handed a one week suspension in what is the only forced change to the side, while Liam Jones, Jarrad Grant and Clay Smith have been omitted from the starting 22.

Click here to view the complete Western Bulldogs and Geelong Cats teams for Friday night.

Click here to view the Western Bulldogs' injury list.