Senior coach Luke Beveridge is keeping his cards close to his chest on selection for Saturday’s crunch match against Melbourne against Metricon Stadium.
The Bulldogs’ boss spoke to media today but kept reporters guessing on the make-up of his team.
A team won’t be revealed until 6.20pm on Friday night.
“What I’ll say is, we won’t take any risks with anyone,” Beveridge said.
“Tim’s (English) trained with the group this morning and we’ll submit our side tomorrow afternoon.
“But I won’t give you any detail on who might come in or who might go out, I’ll reserve our right to be a bit protective there.
“We’ll finalise it this afternoon and I will say that Tim was out on the track and if he pulls up well, he’s a chance to play.”
English took part in a training session today on the Gold Coast, as the Bulldogs turned their attention to the Dees.
The ruckman, along with Jason Johannisen (ankle), Josh Bruce (managed), Hayden Crozier (toe), Matt Suckling (hamstring) and Laitham Vandermeer (managed), are pushing to be selected for the crucial Round 13 clash.
Beveridge did say that English’s situation would in no way be directed by Melbourne’s ruck situation, with Max Gawn and Braydon Preuss under injury clouds, and Luke Jackson already sidelined.
“It will totally be based on Tim’s ankle, it will be nothing to do with Melbourne at all,” Beveridge said.
“As I’ve said previously, with Lachie (Hunter) and even with JJ and Laith last week, if players aren’t sound after the Thursday session – or even during it – we’ll take no risk and pick another player.”
