A TOTAL of five Western Bulldogs players have earned selection in the Victoria and Dream Team squads for the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match, to be played on May 10 at the MCG.

For Victoria, Brad Johnson, Robert Murphy and Dale Morris have been included, while South Australians Adam Cooney and Ryan Griffen have been named in the Dream Team's extended list. 

We spoke to the Bulldog representatives who are a chance to take part in the match and heard what their selections mean to them.

Brad Johnson

"It's a wonderful thing the AFL have done this year for the celebration, and I've said from the start that if I'm fit, I'll put my hand up to play in the side.
 
"I played for the state the last couple of times that State of Origin was around and it was a fantastic environment to be in. The opportunity to play with and against the best players in the competition was terrific.

"That's why I also think it's fantastic for a couple of our younger guys in Murph and Morris to be in the squad for Victoria, and Coons and Griff for the Dream Team. For those guys to mingle with some of the more experienced and better players in the competition - it will help in their development for sure.

"They'll be able to learn how the best players go about it, and that's what they're striving to be themselves. I think it will be great for them more so than anything."

Robert Murphy

"Making the squad is a massive surprise, and I'm pretty chuffed.

"If I make it through to the side, you couldn't stop me from playing. I'm there. I wouldn't prefer to have the weekend off.

"I grew up with State of Origin footy and it's a huge game, so I can't wait. It's as close to State of Origin as we're going to get, so I'll jump at the chance.

Dale Morris

"It was a bit of a surprise. I wasn't really expecting it, and I'm very honoured to be a part of the 40 named in the squad.

"It will mean a lot to wear the Big V, but it's not the be-all-and-end-all. I would be very honoured, but if I don't, there's a lot of good players in there before me.

"It's good there's five of us in there, and it shows that we're playing some good footy. I think a few of our boys were stiff to miss out, although I could rattle off our whole side pretty much.

"I've seen bits and pieces of the squads and both of them look amazing. The players in there are just all really top players, and that's what's going to make it hard to get the jumper.

"I'm just rapt to be a part of the squad, although if I get through, the forward structure of the Dream Team doesn't look too bad at all. You never know, I might line up on Griff or Coons up forward."

Adam Cooney

"It's pretty exciting. They spoke about it earlier in the year and it was something I took an interest in, and I'm just rapt and honoured to be in the squad.

"It would be a great honour to play, and it's a great initiative from the powers that be that brought it back. It's going to be a fantastic night, and I think there will be a lot of people that are interested in it.

"I would love to represent South Australia one day. I used to watch State of Origin when I was a bit younger, and I used to love watching SA versus the Vics.

"But this Dream Team thing is great and I'm looking forward to seeing if I'm playing.

"The Dream Team has a great side, it has a terrific forward line and it looks very tough to stop, but the Vics have a good side as well."

Ryan Griffen

"It's very exciting. I didn't expect it, and I guess it's just an honour and a privilege to be named among such good players.

"It will be good to represent the guernsey if I make the side. To be recognised in the top 80 players means a lot, I've worked pretty hard and it will just be good to represent the guernsey and be named amongst so many fantastic players.

"I'd love to represent South Australia on its own one day, I did it when I was 16 and 17, so I'd love to do it at the age of 22.

"Coons is in my squad, and he's been fantastic this year. If we can both make it, it will be awesome to play with him. It will be good to play against the other guys too, Dale and maybe Johnno and Murph.

"Hopefully we can keep playing well and all make it."