DOGS’ PRIDE
Suckling misses as Beveridge backs in his boys
MATTHEW Suckling has been boldly overlooked for tomorrow’s grand final by Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge as the club looks to end a 62-year premiership drought.
The Dogs last night stuck with the same 22 players that toppled Greater Western Sydney, as big man Fletcher Roberts won a lineball decision to hold on to his spot in the most inexperienced grand final side since Melbourne in 2000.
Suckling is the only player on the Dogs’ list with grand final experience having played in three Hawthorn deciders for two flags.
He was named emergency, meaning the Dogs will be the first side to enter footy’s biggest day without a single premiership player since North Melbourne in 1996.
Hard-nut midfielder Lin Jong was also named emergency and is on standby if it rains.
A morning downpour could trigger a late change following Jong’s best-on-ground performance in last weekend’s VFL premiership.
Ruckman Jordan Roughead was named and should receive a final medical clearance today after a nasty eye injury suffered in last week’s win over GWS.
“He’s got to check off with the eye specialist tomorrow (today) but he moved pretty well out there,” Bulldogs assistant coach Joel Corey said after training.
“The welfare of our players is really important to us and blood in the eye is not a minor thing. It could have complications.
“What (the doctor) says will certainly hold a lot of weight.”
Sydney recalled co-captain Jarrad McVeigh and Rising Star winner Callum Mills at the expense of Aliir Aliir (knee) and Harry Marsh.
Mills, 19 and in his first year of AFL football, has played just one quarter of football in the past six weeks. He missed Round 23 and tore his hamstring early in the Swans’ qualifying final loss to GWS.
“I got through training yesterday (Wednesday) so I’ve done everything they asked me to,” Mills said last night.