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Cordy back for Dogs' clash with AFL rivals

3 minute read

Premiership defender Zaine Cordy is one of five inclusions for Western Bulldogs in their clash with AFL rivals GWS.

LEVI CASBOULT of the Blues and Zaine Cordy of the Bulldogs in action during AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
LEVI CASBOULT of the Blues and Zaine Cordy of the Bulldogs in action during  AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

Premiership defender Zaine Cordy and Lin Jong will play their first game of 2021 as the Western Bulldogs seek to extend their undefeated start to the AFL season.

The Bulldogs have recalled Cordy, Jong, reigning best and fairest Caleb Daniel, ruckman Stefan Martin and speedster Laitham Vandermeer for Friday night's clash with rivals GWS at Manuka Oval.

The Giants have called up young ruckman Matt Flynn and fit-again utility Harry Perryman in place of Shane Mumford and Sam Reid (hamstring), as coach Leon Cameron flagged earlier in the week.

All eyes will be on Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli and GWS stand-in skipper Toby Greene, who are squaring off for the first time since a spiteful elimination final in 2019.

"If you poke the bear too much, it can go two ways. I reckon it's a disadvantage to anybody who pokes Toby," Cameron told AAP.

"Every game he's played, clearly he's got better at handling the pressures that come with crossing the white line.

"He'll get a lot right. One or two things he will occasionally get wrong, but that's like all of us."

A total of 15 players were fined during a melee that erupted at three-quarter time of the corresponding fixture in 2020.

Cameron conceded GWS "probably went a little bit too far last year" against the Dogs, when they gave away 26 free kicks in a 24-point loss.

But he noted 13 members of that side will not play in Canberra, having either left the club or suffered injuries.

"It was totally different personnel," he said.

"We've got to focus on the ball."

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge tipped the Giants would "spread the physical love further than Marcus (Bontempelli)".

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