Bulldogs lose key man for Lions clash
THE Western Bulldogs have suffered a serious blow for Thursday night’s clash with Brisbane at the Gabba, with important small defender Caleb Daniel ruled out with injury.
It comes as premiership wingman Lachie Hunter was recalled for his first AFL match in more than two months as the Lions brought back two stars for the game.
Hunter hasn’t played since being granted personal leave after Round 5 to deal with “individual challenges, which have affected his health and wellbeing”.
Daniel has been ruled out with a knee cartilage issue in a
shock for the club, while Ed Richards (concussion) will also be missing.
As expected ruckman Tim English will have another week out of the team, as he recovers from delayed concussion symptoms arising out of the Greater Western Sydney game.
The Lions have been boosted by the return from injury of skipper Dayne Zorko and Zac Bailey, who missed last week’s 64-point loss to Melbourne.
Mitch Robinson was one of three players to be dropped along with Deven Robertson and Tom Berry.
Hunter returned at VFL level two weeks ago and his 26-disposal performance for
Footscray last week convinced coach Luke Beveridge he was ready to resume at AFL level.
“(Hunter) played quite well in the victory here against Box Hill. (He) played in a different role to make sure he could have the most impact at state league level and he played well,” Beveridge said.
The Bulldogs announced on Tuesday that forward Dom Bedendo will make his debut.
Beveridge is hopeful English will be back for the clash with Sydney next week, saying: “He is training now and seems to be fine.”
Lions star Lachie Neale said talk was “pretty cheap” unless the Lions responded in emphatic fashion to last week’s loss to the Demons at the MCG.
“We played shocking last week and Melbourne were really good,” Neale said. “They taught us a lesson on contested ball and probably premiership standards, to be honest. It was probably a good reminder for us. “