Key forward Aaron Naughton and star midfielder Josh Dunkley will return for Saturday’s clash with the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium.

The pair are among a handful of changes to the starting 22 after last week’s loss to the Sydney Swans.

Dunkley will play his first game since round six, after completing his rehabilitation from a shoulder reconstruction.

02:57

Match Committee | Round 18

Join Jordan Kounelis and Matt Rendell as they preview the Round 18 match against the Gold Coast Suns.

Naughton returns after missing a week due to concussion protocols.

Defender Hayden Crozier and winger Roarke Smith also come back into the side after strong VFL performances. Last week’s unused medical sub, Lachie McNeil, has been elevated into the starting 22.

The Bulldogs will be without clearance king Tom Liberatore, who has been managed.

Lewis Young, Mitch Wallis, Anthony Scott and Mitch Hannan also make way.

06:09

Bulldogs Radio | Ameet Bains (July 15th)

Bulldogs C.E.O Ameet Bains spoke to Gerard Whateley on SEN before the team flew out to the Gold Coast ahead of Round 18

Young, Scott, Hannan and key forward Josh Schache have been named as the emergencies, with one to be confirmed as the medical sub an hour before the first bounce on Saturday.

The match will be broadcast live on Fox Footy.

ROUND 18 TEAM
Gold Coast Suns v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 17 July, 4.35pm AEST
Metricon Stadium

B: Caleb Daniel, Alex Keath, Bailey Williams
HB: Taylor Duryea, Zaine Cordy, Bailey Dale
C: Jack Macrae, Bailey Smith, Ed Richards
HF: Jason Johannisen, Aaron Naughton, Cody Weightman
F: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Josh Bruce, Lachie Hunter
R: Tim English, Josh Dunkley, Marcus Bontempelli
Int: Hayden Crozier, Lachie McNeil, Roarke Smith, Riley Garcia
Emer: Lewis Young, Josh Schache, Anthony Scott, Mitch Hannan 

In: Josh Dunkley, Hayden Crozier, Aaron Naughton, Roarke Smith
Out: Tom Liberatore (managed), Lewis Young, Mitch Wallis, Anthony Scott, Mitch Hannan