The Western Bulldogs have named seven inclusions in the squad to take on St Kilda on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, including the return of key forward Liam Jones who impressed with six goals in two weeks with VFL affiliate Williamstown.
Development Coach Chris Maple believes Jones is a solid inclusion into the starting line-up after finding form in recent weeks in the VFL.
“Liam Jones, after some very good performances at VFL level, has fought his way back into the side and he will move back into centre half forward,” Maple said.
“Forward line [looks] very mobile, hopefully providing us with a lot of run and the ability to kick goals.”
To see the full injury update including an update on defender Mark Austin, click here.
With the final 22 to be finalised Friday afternoon, Jones has been named in the starting 18 alongside Tory Dickson who comes into the side to replace Shaun Higgins who will miss three weeks with a hamstring injury - while Clay Smith has been named in the forward pocket.
Smith’s four goals on debut proves he is capable of finding the big sticks and could be a worthy inclusion up forward with his relentless attack on the ball.
Westernbulldogs.com.au spoke to Clay Smith earlier this week, read the full story here.
Running defender Jason Johannisen could also become the fifth Western Bulldogs debutant in Season 2012, named on an extended interchange alongside defenders Ryan Hargrave, Dylan Addison and versatile tall Jordan Roughead.
Elevated off the rookie list earlier this week, Johannisen has won the faith of the selection panel after stringing a number of standout performances together in the VFL and could make his first senior appearance as soon as Sunday.
Read more about Jason Johannisen's rookie elevation here.
“Also showing good form at the VFL level Jason Johannisen and Jordan Roughead both moving into the side on an extended interchange bench with Ryan Hargrave,” Maple said.
Mark Austin is the second forced change after fracturing his wrist against Carlton last weekend, alongside Higgins with a hamstring.
Ayce Cordy and Nathan Djerrkura have been omitted from last week’s side.
For the full team announcement, click here.
To see the full injury list, click here.
