The Western Bulldogs are poised to blood their fourth elevated rookie this season with Lin Jong named in the final 22 to take on Richmond on Sunday at the MCG.
The athletic midfielder of Taiwanese and East Timorese descent joins Jarrad Grant, Zephaniah Skinner and Nathan Djerrkura as the final interchange in the Bulldogs line-up.
Told of his impending debut on Thursday, 19 year old Jong is both excited and nervous for his milestone game.
Watch Lin Jong speak exclusively to BulldogsTV ahead of his AFL debut.
“Very nervous and very excited - a nice balance between the both,” Jong said.
“Just see how it goes and whatever happens, happens.
“The goal is to just crack in and give my all. [Macca said] just do what you have been doing in the VFL and don’t change anything and hopefully you will go alright.”
Replacing Daniel Cross on the primary list after he was placed on the long term injury list, Jong’s rise through the AFL ranks has been impressive having only played footy for the past four seasons.
Beginning the season playing predominantly for Williamstown reserves, Jong confirmed to recruiters and coaches alike that he is a quick learner.
After finding his feet in the reserves it wasn’t long before he was pushing for selection in Williamstown seniors and has been featuring amongst their best players on a regular basis.
The gutsy midfielder has the versatility to play as both an inside and outside mid who can also adapt to run with roles.
Grant’s versatility coming off the bench will also bolster the Bulldogs running stocks, while Djerrkura and Skinner add some excitement to the forward line.
Lindsay Gilbee, Andrew Hooper and Fletcher Roberts have been named as emergencies for Sunday’s clash.
To see the final team lists, click here.