Two changes have been made by the Western Bulldogs for Saturday’s clash with the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium.
Rookie ruckman Jordon Sweet will make his AFL debut, while influential defender Hayden Crozier will return from injury as the Bulldogs aim to extend their unbeaten start to 2021.
The Bulldogs have won their first four games for the first time since 2008 – and a fifth consecutive win would mark their best start to a year, remarkably, since 1946.
Sweet, 23, will get his opportunity in his third season on the Bulldogs’ list.
He comes into the side for experienced ruckman Stefan Martin, who has been managed.
Crozier replaces 2020 Charles Sutton Medallist Caleb Daniel, who will miss due to a one-week suspension for a dangerous tackle against the Brisbane Lions.
Pat Lipinski, who was the unused medical sub against the Lions, has been named as an emergency alongside fellow midfielder Lin Jong, small forward Ben Cavarra and key defender Zaine Cordy.
The match will also mark a key milestone for captain Marcus Bontempelli, who will play his 150th AFL game.
Bontempelli, a three-time All Australian and three-time Charles Sutton Medallist, will bring up the milestone in his eighth season at AFL level.
The 25-year-old has incredibly missed just five matches since his debut season, 2014.
If Lipinski is named as the medical sub, it will mark his 50th match at AFL level.
Fox Footy will broadcast the game live.
ROUND 5 TEAM
Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday 17 April, 4.35pm AEST
Marvel Stadium
B: Bailey Williams, Alex Keath, Easton Wood
HB: Taylor Duryea, Lewis Young, Bailey Dale
C: Laitham Vandermeer, Bailey Smith, Lachie Hunter
HF: Adam Treloar, Aaron Naughton, Josh Dunkley
F: Tim English, Josh Bruce, Marcus Bontempelli
R: Jordon Sweet, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore
Int: Anthony Scott, Jason Johannisen, Lachie McNeil, Hayden Crozier
Emer: Zaine Cordy, Ben Cavarra, Pat Lipinski, Lin Jong
