Important defender Bailey Williams is back for the Western Bulldogs’ blockbuster clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
The South Australian returns in his home state, after overcoming the collarbone injury that has seen him miss the last three rounds.
Williams is one of three inclusions to face the third-placed Power.
He’s joined in the team by emerging forward Cody Weightman and wingman Roarke Smith, with both making their first AFL appearances in 2021.
Tim English (concussion) will miss another week, while Lachie Hunter has also been ruled out despite remarkably almost proving his fitness less than a week after surgery to repair a broken hand.
Hunter is one of four players out of last week’s 23 that defeated Carlton.
Debutant Buku Khamis, defender Hayden Crozier and unused medical sub Rhylee West also make way.
Crozier and West have been named as emergencies, alongside Lewis Young and Louis Butler.
The match will mark midfielder Bailey Smith’s 50th AFL game.
Smith hasn’t missed a game since joining the Bulldogs with pick seven in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, with the 20-year-old making his debut in the opening round of 2019.
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy.
ROUND 9 TEAM
Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 15 May, 7.10pm ACST / 7.40pm AEST
Adelaide Oval
B: Bailey Smith, Alex Keath, Bailey Williams
HB: Jason Johannisen, Aaron Naughton, Pat Lipinski
C: Cody Weightman, Taylor Duryea, Roarke Smith
HF: Mitch Hannan, Easton Wood, Lachie McNeil
F: Anthony Scott, Josh Bruce, Jordon Sweet
R: Zaine Cordy, Bailey Dale, Caleb Daniel
Int: Adam Treloar, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore
Emer: Lewis Young, Rhylee West, Louis Butler, Hayden Crozier
In: Cody Weightman, Bailey Williams, Roarke Smith
Out: Lachie Hunter (hand), Hayden Crozier (managed), Rhylee West (managed), Buku Khamis
