The Western Bulldogs have recalled a number of experienced campaigners with four inclusions to take on Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
Ruckman Will Minson will return to the side, while Ryan Hargrave, Justin Sherman and Lukas Markovic have also been named.
Assistant Coach Shannon Grant said the inclusions will add experience as well as give a number of players their opportunity after pressing for selection at Williamstown for a number of weeks.
Watch Assistant Coach Shannon Grant talk you through the Bulldogs side for Saturday on the media player above.
“Will Minson comes back in after having a week off - so across the board a little bit more experience,” Grant said.
Last week’s debutant Tom Campbell has also retained his spot after dominating in the ruck hit-outs against Brisbane Lions and will this week look to assist Minson as well as shifting forward.
Defenders Ryan Hargrave and Lukas Markovic come back into the fold to bolster the Club’s defensive stocks, while Sherman’s versatility across the ground will be useful coming off the bench.
“As you can see with our guys coming into the side - Sherman who has been playing a significant role for Williamstown in the VFL over the past month or so earns his opportunity,” Grant said.
“Also we get some experience back with ‘Shaggy’ [Hargrave] over his complaint, coming straight back into our back six.
“Marko who had been a very solid contributor for us at the beginning of the year comes back into the side and he is one that we are certainly looking forward to having back there.”
Overall, Grant is buoyed by the experience coming into the side and is keen to see how the team responds on Saturday night with the added inclusions.
“After a pretty disappointing outing last weekend against the Brisbane Lions we are really looking forward to seeing how the guys respond this Saturday night,” Grant said.
To see the full team list, click here.
