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Bulldogs swing changes for Blues in AFL

Lewis Young will make his AFL debut in a must-win game for the Western Bulldogs against Carlton.

Gary Ablett
Big in... Gary Ablett is likely back for the Suns when they take on Collingwood. (AAP)

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has axed two AFL premiership stars as he looks to kickstart his club's premiership defence on Sunday against Carlton.

Clay Smith and Fletcher Roberts have been dropped for the clash, making way with Matthew Boyd (achilles) and the suspended Easton Wood.

Captain Bob Murphy is a welcome return to the Bulldogs' side, alongside Shane Biggs, Bailey Williams and first-gamer Lewis Young.

Young is a beanpole 18-year-old key forward prospect who has impressed at VFL level.

The Dogs sit 11th on the ladder, outside the top eight by four points and percentage, and can barely afford to lose to the 16th-placed Blues.

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Brendon Bolton has also shaken up his side with five changes.

Ciaran Byrne, Dylan Buckley, Blaine Boekhorst, Nick Graham and Alex Silvagni have come in for Patrick Cripps (leg), Simon White (knee) and David Cuningham (hip) and dropped pair Harrison Macreadie and Ciaran Sheehan.

West Coast ruck Scott Lycett is a late withdrawal from Sunday's derby as one of three enforced Eagles changes.

Eric Mackenzie (hamstring) and Malcolm Karpany (quad) also miss, as does the dropped Sharrod Wellingham.

Josh Kennedy is the biggest inclusion for the Eagles, while David Mundy returns for Fremantle as one of two changes.

Brisbane will also return Josh Schache to senior football against Richmond after eight weeks off.

Gary Ablett and Daniel Wells lead the inclusions for Gold Coast's AFL home match on Saturday against Collingwood - a match pitting the league's two most under-pressure coaches.

Speculation is rife about Rodney Eade and Nathan Buckley as their teams languish outside the top eight.

Ablett is named to return from a hamstring injury for the Suns, but he will have to pass a Friday fitness test.

Michael Rischitelli is back from a knee reconstruction for his first senior game this season, while Aaron Hall and Pearce Hanley have also recovered from hamstring injuries.

Wells, who has only managed six games in his first season at Collingwood, is back for his 250th game.

The Magpies also regain Jeremy Howe, Darcy Moore and Jarryd Blair, who reaches 150 matches.

Essendon have rested veteran onballer Jobe Watson for Friday night's big match against in-form St Kilda.

The Sydney derby will feature some big-name returns, with GWS naming Toby Greene, Zac Williams and Steven Johnson.

Captain Josh Kennedy will return for the Swans.


3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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