1. An incredible debut
As Luke Beveridge helped announce debutant Buku Khamis this week, he said the chances of that happening in recent years were extremely unlikely – one million to one, even two million to one.
But the 21-year-old defender has worked tirelessly to make that happen.
The journey just to get to the Western Bulldogs for Khamis has been incredible – born in South Sudan and making his way to Australia as a kid with his family.
He didn’t grow up with the game – but he’s developed in three years as a Bulldog, and his exceptional early form at VFL level this year has seen him earn an AFL opportunity.
Good luck, Buku!
2. A memorable milestone
Congratulations to Jason Johannisen, who will play his 150th AFL game on Sunday.
It’s been a similarly spectacular journey for the much-loved Bulldog.
The South African-born Johannisen moved from Johannesburg to Perth with his family and was a late-comer to footy.
But he took to it quickly and the Bulldogs took a chance on the speedster with pick 39 in the 2010 rookie draft.
He’s more than repaid the faith – and his Norm Smith Medal performance in the 2016 premiership will live in the memory of Bulldogs’ fans forever.
3. Sweet dis position
No, not the song by The Temper Trap.
Jordon Sweet – back in the ruck.
With ruckmen Stefan Martin and Tim English ruled out, the 23-year-old will play in ‘dis position’ against the Blues.
He’s going to have an important role to play, as part of a Bulldogs’ midfield group with a point to prove after being overrun by Richmond in the second half last week.
Sweet impressed on debut against the Gold Coast Suns a couple of weeks ago, and will be out to do the same against Blues duo Marc Pittonet and Levi Casboult.
4. Bogey Blues
The Blues have had the Bulldogs’ measure in recent years – there’s no denying that.
Over the past two years, they’ve met three times.
The Blues have won two of those games – by a combined 96 points. The Bulldogs edged out the Blues in the other, by three points, despite a seven-goal haul from Charlie Curnow.
Curnow won’t be there this time, but a red-hot Harry McKay will be.
McKay has 26 goals for the season – and 10 over the past two weeks – and looms as a big challenge for Alex Keath and the Bulldogs’ defensive group.
