One change has been made for the Western Bulldogs line-up for their clash with the Brisbane Lions at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday afternoon.
As flagged by senior coach Luke Beveridge at his press conference on Thursday morning, experienced defender Matt Suckling will return from injury.
Suckling has missed the past three matches, against Carlton, Fremantle and Richmond, after sustaining a groin injury at training.
Prior to that he had enjoyed a strong start to the season, averaging 24.3 disposals and seven marks per game.
Making way is small forward Tory Dickson, who has been omitted.
Lewis Young, Pat Lipinski, Fletcher Roberts and Bailey Williams have been named as the emergencies.
This will be the Bulldogs’ fourth AFL match at their Ballarat home, and they hold a record of one win from three outings there.
Their recent record against the Lions is strong, having won their past four encounters. The Lions last claimed the points against the Dogs in the final round of 2015.
ROUND 8 TEAM
B: Jason Johannisen, Jackson Trengove, Hayden Crozier
HB: Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy, Easton Wood
C: Lachie Hunter, Tom Liberatore, Ed Richards
HF: Billy Gowers, Aaron Naughton, Sam Lloyd
F: Toby McLean, Marcus Bontempelli, Mitch Wallis
Foll: Tim English, Josh Dunkley, Jack Macrae
Int: Bailey Smith, Matt Suckling, Will Hayes, Lachie Young
Emer: Lewis Young, Pat Lipinski, Fletcher Roberts, Bailey Williams
In: Matt Suckling
Out: Tory Dickson
MATCH DETAILS
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions
Mars Stadium, Ballarat
Saturday 11 May
1.45pm AEST
For match information, click here.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Round 8, 2018 – Star duo Jack Macrae and Marcus Bontempelli were dominant, as the Bulldogs overcame the Lions by 14 points – 16.11 (107) to 14.9 (93) – at Marvel Stadium. Macrae racked up an incredible 47 disposals, while Bontempelli spent time deep in the forward line to snag four goals an 24 disposals. Lachie Hunter (33) and Matt Suckling (30) also found plenty of the footy as the Dogs led at every break. Dayne Zorko (four goals) and Charlie Cameron (three) were dangerous in the Lions’ forward line.
BROADCAST INFO
TV – FOX Footy (live from 1.30pm)
Radio – SEN1116
