Four changes have been made by the Western Bulldogs for Friday night’s blockbuster against Essendon at Metricon Stadium.
Alongside debutant Cody Weightman, the Bulldogs have recalled experienced pair Matt Suckling and Hayden Crozier, plus emerging defender Lachie Young.
Making way from last week’s team are Josh Schache, Rhylee West, Toby McLean and Louis Butler.
Butler has been named as an emergency, alongside Billy Gowers and yet-to-debut duo Callum Porter and Jordon Sweet.
Teenage forward Weightman will become the fourth Bulldog to make his AFL debut this season.
The 19-year-old follows in the footsteps of Ben Cavarra (round one), Laitham Vandermeer (round two) and Butler (round four).
Crozier returns after missing last week through suspension, with Suckling playing his first game since round three and Young his first in 2020.
The Bulldogs and Bombers will again vie for the EJ Whitten Cup, which has been played for once per season since 1995 in honour of Victorian football legend Ted Whitten.
For the five past years, the Bulldogs have held the trophy. They are undefeated against the Bombers under Luke Beveridge.
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy.
ROUND 7 TEAM
Essendon v Western Bulldogs
Friday 17 July, 7.50pm AEST
Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast
B: Bailey Williams, Alex Keath, Caleb Daniel
HB: Jason Johannisen, Easton Wood, Hayden Crozier
C: Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter
HF: Bailey Dale, Zaine Cordy, Laitham Vandermeer
F: Mitch Wallis, Josh Bruce, Cody Weightman
Foll: Tim English, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith
Int: Matt Suckling, Ed Richards, Pat Lipinski, Lachie Young
Emer: Louis Butler, Billy Gowers, Callum Porter, Jordon Sweet
IN: Cody Weightman (debut), Matt Suckling, Hayden Crozier, Lachie Young
OUT: Josh Schache, Rhylee West, Toby McLean, Louis Butler
