Bulldogs buoyed by Tom
WESTERN Bulldogs have recalled 2016 AFL grand final star Tom Boyd to help lead their battling forward line against Fremantle in Perth tomorrow night.
Boyd has not played since Round 13 last year but forced his way back with five secondhalf 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 goalkicker Liam Picken (concussion), the Dogs have averaged only 76 points a game this season and are desperate for a second win to boost flagging finals hopes.
Star ballwinner Marcus Bontempelli has played large chunks in the forward half but Boyd’s return could help release him 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.
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 at Etihad Stadium.
St Kilda welcome back important forward Tim Membrey for tomorrow’s showdown against Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium but Dylan Roberton (heartbeat irregularity) is out.