For Bevo, six into two won’t go

THE Western Bulldogs have up to six players vying for two positions in next week’s grand final side. The Dogs expect injured trio Cody Weightman (concussion), Alex Keath (hamstring) and Laitham Vandermeer (hamstring tightness) to be cleared to play against Melbourne at Perth Stadium. Keath’s return means one of Zaine Cordy or Ryan Gardner could miss. Weightman’s

availability puts selection pressure on Roarke Smith, Jason Johannisen and Vandermeer. Keath and Weightman missed the preliminary final and Vandermeer was subbed out.

Bulldogs head of football Chris Grant said Luke Beveridge faced tough calls.

“Training form is always important … but ultimately game performance is a real driving factor in selection,” Grant said.

“Melbourne will have their own difficulties with a fit squad and we’re the same, so it’s going to be a very difficult selection process at both clubs next week.”

Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said scans had cleared 22-year-old Vandermeer of serious hamstring damage.

Grant said the club did not intend to have a “fair dinkum match” on the bye weekend because it had endured three knockout finals in three weeks. Melbourne will have played just once in three weeks.

“What that Saturday session ends up looking like probably won’t be decided upon until Thursday night or even Friday,” Grant said.

The Bulldogs are in quarantine until Sunday and can leave their hotel only for training. The Demons have been free to move about Perth since last Friday.

Grant will present the premiership cup if the Bulldogs win, an honour he described as potentially his

greatest in the game.