Experienced defender Taylor Duryea will play his first AFL game in more than 12 months when he returns for the Western Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.
The 29-year-old has overcome a persistent quad injury in 2020 to earn selection for his first match since last year’s elimination final, after two strong scratch match performances.
He is one of two inclusions for the must-win clash against Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval.
Duryea – and fellow ex-Hawk Matthew Suckling – have both been named to take on their former side.
Making way from the team that edged past the West Coast Eagles last week are forward Sam Lloyd and wingman Will Hayes.
Lloyd is one of four emergencies, alongside Pat Lipinski, Lachie Young and Jordon Sweet.
The Bulldogs’ finals hopes hang in the balance across the final two rounds of the season.
A win against the Hawks could propel the ninth-placed Bulldogs back into the top eight by the end of round 17 – pending other match results – ahead of a final round match-up with Fremantle in Cairns.
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy.
ROUND 17 TEAM
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 13 September, 3.05pm ACST / 3.35 AEST
Adelaide Oval
B: Zaine Cordy, Alex Keath, Caleb Daniel
HB: Bailey Williams, Ryan Gardner, Hayden Crozier
C: Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae, Jason Johannisen
HF: Toby McLean, Josh Bruce, Mitch Wallis
F: Tom Liberatore, Aaron Naughton, Lachie Hunter
Foll: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Josh Dunkley
Int: Matthew Suckling, Taylor Duryea, Ed Richards, Roarke Smith
Emer: Sam Lloyd, Pat Lipinski, Lachie Young, Jordon Sweet
IN: Matthew Suckling, Taylor Duryea
OUT: Sam Lloyd, Will Hayes
