Dogs turn back to Boyd
WESTERN Bulldogs last night recalled 2016 Grand Final hero Tom Boyd to help lead their battling forward line against Fremantle in Perth tomorrow night.
And bottom-placed Carlton was hit with three more injuries, including ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, leaving it even more exposed against a resurgent West Coast at the MCG.
Boyd has not played since Round 13 last season but forced his way back with five second-half goals in the VFL last week.
The former No.1 draft pick, who stepped away from the game last year to deal with a mental health issue, will give the Dogs some badly-needed marking power in attack.
Without Boyd and last year’s leading goal kicker Liam Picken (concussion), the Dogs have averaged only 76 points a game during the first month and are desperate for a second win of to boost flagging finals hopes.
Star ballwinner Marcus Bontempelli has played large chunks in the forward half but Boyd’s return could help release the onballer to lock horns with Fremantle superstar Nathan Fyfe in the middle.
The Dogs will be without injured key forward Jack Redpath, suspended midfielder Lachie Hunter and defender Shane Biggs, who was dropped.
Carlton confirmed star ruckman Kreuzer (groin), midfielder Matthew Kennedy (ankle) and out-of-form backman Jacob Weitering (thigh) would join skipper Marc Murphy (foot)— a late withdrawal last week with a foot injury — on the sidelines.
Midfield pair David Cuningham and Nick Graham were dropped after a thrashing from North Melbourne on Saturday night capped off a winless first month.
Tall forward Harry McKay will play his third game and Sam Kerridge, Jed Lamb, Sam Rowe and back-up ruckman Andrew Phillips were recalled.
Kreuzer missed Round 2 with the groin problem but has re-aggravated the injury.
Hawthorn named Ryan Burton and Will Langford in an extended squad as potential replacements for injured star small forward duo Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo.
The Hawks take on North Melbourne on Sunday.
Adelaide has lost star duo Rory Sloane (foot) and Eddie Betts (hamstring) as part of four changes for tonight’s clash against the Swans at the SCG.
St Kilda welcomed back forward Tim Membrey for tomorrow’s showdown against Greater Western Sydney but will miss Dylan Roberton after he collapsed with a heartbeat irregularity after last week’s loss to Geelong.