AFL Pups earn shot at the big time

T H U R I N G O WA B u l l d o g s coach Chris Butcher plans to treat today’s clash with archrivals Hermit Park as a chance for the club’s young brigade to prove they belong in senior footy.

The Tigers and Bulldogs have a long history having fought out the past six grand finals, but their latest encounter isn’t expected to reach those heights, with both sides set to field youthful line- ups at Neil French Oval.

The match will be a replay of their washed- out Round 1 clash, but some players had already taken advantage of what was originally scheduled as a bye weekend by making holiday plans.

That means the Bulldogs will be light on experience today, but Butcher said it was the perfect chance to test their playing depth as they chase back- to- back premierships.

“It’ll give guys an opportunity to play in different positions as well as look at some guys who have been on the fringes,” Butcher said.

“We have a lot of guys who booked leave to go away and a fair few guys away with army duties and exercises, but we’ll play a few juniors and see how they cope. We’ve had a big influx of new players come to the club and juniors who have really come through.

“It’s a great opportunity for a lot of the guys who are coming in there to show what they’re made of playing senior football.”

The Bulldogs went unbeaten to win last year’s grand final, but they’ve made a more modest start this season to be ranked third with a 3- 3 record.

The first- placed Tigers are coming off a stunning 94- point victory over the previously unbeaten University last weekend, while they also took the points over the fast- finishing Thuringowa in Round 6. Butcher said the Bulldogs were always wary of their arch- rivals, but he wasn’t expecting today’s clash to make or break either side’s premiership hopes.

“Their win over Uni was a bit of a shock and a bit out of left field, but it’s hard to see what you can actually take out of it,” Butcher said.

“We’ve had a fairly longstanding rivalry with them so it’s going to be an interesting game.”

In today’s other game, the Hawks will be looking to bounce back when they take on the Curra Swans at Muldoon Oval.