The Western Bulldogs have made three changes to face Melbourne in a top-of-the-table clash to kickstart Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Ruck-forward Tim English will return to the action at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, after spending the past four weeks on the sidelines.
He’s joined in the team by Pat Lipinski – who was ruled out of last week’s game – and 20-year-old midfielder Riley Garcia, who will make his AFL debut.
Garcia, drafted by the Bulldogs with pick 62 in 2019 from Western Australia, gets his opportunity after averaging 23.8 disposals and six tackles per game across the opening five rounds of the VFL season.
Star midfielder Adam Treloar (ankle) and forward Mitch Hannan (calf tightness) will miss through injury, while utility Anthony Scott has been managed.
Treloar will be sidelined for the next 6-8 weeks after having surgery to repair a syndesmosis ligament injury, while Hannan is expected to be available for selection next week.
Last week’s medical sub, Lewis Young, is again one of the four emergencies named, alongside Rhylee West, Louis Butler and Ryan Gardner.
The match will be played in an empty stadium, after the Victorian Government announced a lockdown from Thursday night. The Marvel roof is expected to be open for the game.
Channel 7 and Fox Footy will broadcast the game live.
ROUND 11 TEAM
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
Friday 28 May, 7.50pm AEST
Marvel Stadium
B: Taylor Duryea, Alex Keath, Hayden Crozier
HB: Bailey Williams, Zaine Cordy, Caleb Daniel
C: Bailey Dale, Tom Liberatore, Jason Johannisen
HF: Lachie Hunter, Josh Bruce, Cody Weightman
F: Tim English, Aaron Naughton, Marcus Bontempelli
R: Jordon Sweet, Jack Macrae, Bailey Smith
Int: Pat Lipinski, Lachie McNeil, Roarke Smith, Riley Garcia
Emer: Lewis Young, Rhylee West, Louis Butler, Ryan Gardner
In: Riley Garcia (debut), Pat Lipinski, Tim English
Out: Adam Treloar (ankle), Mitch Hannan (calf tightness), Anthony Scott (managed), Lewis Young
