Western Bulldogs Finalize 26-Man Squad for Hawthorn Pre-Season Clash
The Western Bulldogs have confirmed their 26-man squad for the upcoming pre-season match against Hawthorn. This fixture, scheduled for Friday night at Mission Whitten Oval, marks the team's final game before the commencement of the AFL Opening Round.
Squad Composition
The announced squad sees the return of several key players, along with an unofficial debutant.
Returning State of Origin Representatives:
- Marcus Bontempelli
- Tim English
- Rory Lobb
- Ed Richards
- Aaron Naughton
Unofficial Debut:
- Michael Sellwood
Other Inclusions:
- Sam Davidson
- Lachie Bramble
Players Unavailable for the Match:
- Bailey Dale (due to injury)
- Will Lewis (ineligible to play)
Key Squad Update: This pre-season lineup highlights the return of prominent State of Origin players, introduces Michael Sellwood for his debut, and notes the absence of Bailey Dale and Will Lewis.
Match Schedule
The pre-season encounter with Hawthorn will take place on Friday night at Mission Whitten Oval. The AFL game is set to begin at 7:10 PM.
A VFL match is scheduled to precede the main game, commencing at 3:40 PM.
Upcoming Season Opener
This pre-season game serves as the Bulldogs' final preparation before their official AFL season begins. The team is scheduled to open its 2024 campaign next Saturday night against Brisbane at the Gabba.
Final Pre-Season Test: This match against Hawthorn is the Bulldogs' last opportunity to fine-tune their strategy and team cohesion before their official 2024 AFL season opener.