Dogs call on flag stars to conjure win

THE Western Bulldogs have called in the cavalry in a bid to repair their spluttering start to the AFL season and up to four premiership stars could return this weekend.

Flag-winning players Tory Dickson, Tom Boyd, Shane Biggs and Fletcher Roberts have been included in the extended squad for Sunday’s clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Mitch Wallis and Jack Redpath are the other inclusions, with Jordan Roughead (concussion) and Jackson Trengove (shoulder) ruled out.

The Bulldogs have started the season with heavy losses to GWS and West Coast, and the subsequent criticism has come thick and fast.

St Kilda has also made multiple changes after last week’s 52-point loss to North Melbourne.

Koby Stevens, Jack Steele and Hunter Clark have been dropped for tomorrow night’s match against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, while ruckman Billy Longer (groin) has been forced out.

Rowan Marshall, Luke Dunstan, Brandon White and debutant Nick Coffield come into the side.

The Crows have been boosted by the return of Tom Lynch (virus) and midfielder Richard Douglas (suspension), but Matt Crouch (hamstring) has been ruled out.

Hawthorn was dealt a triple blow ahead of its clash with Richmond after James Sicily (suspension), Shaun Burgoyne (hamstring) and Ryan Schoenmakers (achilles) were forced out.

James Frawley (foot) might make a return after being named in the extended squad.

Premiership stars Dion Prestia and Nick Vlastuin are a chance to come back for Richmond. Josh Caddy (suspension), Shai Bolton (omitted) and Corey Ellis (omitted) go out of the Tigers’ side that lost last week to Adelaide.

GWS loses Tom Scully (ankle) and Zac Langdon (hand) for tomorrow’s derby showdown with Sydney, while the Swans welcome back Sam Reid.

Fremantle has replaced Brad Hill (knee) with Tom Sheridan for tomorrow’s clash with the Suns at Optus Stadium. Gold Coast has started the season with consecutive wins and will be boosted by the earlier than expected return of Pearce Hanley from a dislocated shoulder.

Melbourne has dropped Jayden Hunt and Cameron Pedersen for its game against North Melbourne, replacing them with Sam Frost and Dean Kent.