3 minute read

Penpix of the team the Western Bulldogs will field in the AFL grand final against Melbourne.

PENPIX OF THE WESTERN BULLDOGS' TEAM FOR THE AFL GRAND FINAL.

BACK LINE

10. Easton Wood

Age: 32. Games: 187. Goals: 20. Finals: 12.

The 2016 premiership captain has been limited to 14 games this season by quadriceps, hamstring and ankle injuries but has found fitness and form.

42. Alex Keath

Age: 29. Games: 70. Goals: 2. Finals: 3.

Key defender was under a cloud but returns for his first match in three weeks after missing the preliminary final with a hamstring injury.

15. Taylor Duryea

Age: 30. Games: 159. Goals: 24. Finals: 15.

Two-time premiership Hawk gets a shot at a third medal after playing a celebrated role in helping the Bulldogs advance in September.

HALF-BACK LINE

35. Caleb Daniel

Age: 25. Games: 133. Goals: 37. Finals: 9.

The smart ball user off half-back is a crucial part of the Bulldogs' plans to break through Melbourne's well-structured defensive system. Elite foot skills.

12. Zaine Cordy

Age: 24. Games: 103. Goals: 10. Finals: 7.

Not an automatic selection, the 2016 premiership defender has nevertheless been a valuable contributor in 18 matches this season.

31. Bailey Dale

Age: 25. Games: 84. Goals: 69. Finals: 4.

A surprise move to half-back during the pre-season paid huge dividends as Dale quickly became a key contributor, earning himself a first All Australian blazer this year.

CENTRE LINE

6. Bailey Smith

Age: 20. Games: 66. Goals: 34. Finals: 5.

The young social media superstar was already a Bulldogs fan favourite and has now become a genuine match-winner in his third season. Looms as a huge threat.

21. Tom Liberatore

Age: 29. Games: 172. Goals: 64. Finals: 8.

Cult hero has put injury woes behind him to play almost every game this year. One to watch around the stoppages.

7. Lachie Hunter

Age: 26. Games: 162. Goals: 70. Finals: 10.

Made headlines for the wrong reasons off-field last year but has kept his head down in 2021, playing all but one game.

HALF-FORWARD LINE

19. Cody Weightman

Age: 20. Games: 18. Goals: 29. Finals: 2.

The livewire forward returns after missing the preliminary final through concussion. Has had a breakout season, kicking 26 goals in 15 games, and is known for taking spectacular high marks.

33.. Aaron Naughton

Age: 21. Games: 77. Goals: 95. Finals: 5.

Drafted as a defender, now the most important key forward in the Dogs' flag quest. Second behind injured fellow tall Josh Bruce on the club's goal-kicking leaderboard.

1. Adam Treloar

Age: 28. Games: 189. Goals: 107. Finals: 11.

Star recruit silenced the critics when he bounced back from a quiet semi-final with a strong display against Port Adelaide.

FORWARD LINE

39. Jason Johannisen

Age: 28. Games: 167. Goals: 61. Finals: 9.

The 2016 Norm Smith Medal winner in the Dogs' last flag cemented his spot in this year's grand final side with a strong preliminary final showing.

44. Tim English

Age: 24. Games: 68. Goals: 36. Finals: 5.

Will spend most of his time as a tall target in a forward line but also combine with Stefan Martin in an attempt to combat the threat of Demons star Max Gawn.

29. Mitch Hannan

Age: 27. Games: 66. Goals: 69. Finals: 6.

Let go by Melbourne in exchange for a future third-round selection in last year's trade period, now comes up against his old side.

FOLLOWERS

12. Stefan Martin

Age: 34. Games: 198. Goals: 47. Finals: 5.

Huge role to play against his former apprentice Max Gawn. Despite multiple injury setbacks this season, Martin gets a flag shot in his first year with the Dogs.

11. Jack Macrae

Age: 27. Games: 184. Goals: 43. Finals: 10.

Prolific midfielder broke the all-time record for disposals in a season this year and was rewarded with a third consecutive All Australian selection.

4. Marcus Bontempelli

Age: 25. Games: 170. Goals: 154. Finals: 10.

Second-year captain captain finished runner-up in the Brownlow Medal and is primed to cement himself as a club legend in the mould of Charlie Sutton by leading the Bulldogs to a premiership.

INTERCHANGE

37. Roarke Smith

Age: 25. Games: 36. Goals: 8. Finals: 4.

A story of persistence and self-belief, has been on seven successive rookie contracts and twice required a knee reconstruction.

13. Josh Schache

Age: 24. Games: 64. Goals: 73. Finals: 4.

Versatile tall has made the most of injured teammate Josh Bruce's absence to hold a spot in the side in the back-end of the season.

5. Josh Dunkley

Age: 24. Games: 92. Goals: 47. Finals: 9.

Requested a trade last year in search of more midfield minutes but remained at Whitten Oval and has been an important cog.

34. Bailey Williams

Age: 23. Games: 81. Goals: 11. Finals: 4.

Missed a month after surgery on a broken collarbone in April but reclaimed his regular place in the defensive rotation.

EMERGENCIES

43. Ryan Gardner

Age: 24. Games: 21. Goals: 2. Finals: 4.

The defender was cut by Geelong without playing a senior game and has been on the Dogs' fringes for three years.

28. Anthony Scott

Age: 26. Games: 21. Goals: 10. Finals: 1.

Mature-age recruit plucked from the Footscray VFL side, has featured in a variety of positions.

23. Laitham Vandermeer

Age: 22. Games: 22. Goals: 15. Finals: 3.

Under an injury cloud during the build-up after hamstring tightness forced him off the ground during the preliminary final.

2. Lewis Young

Age: 22. Games: 24. Goals: 1. Finals: 3.

Back-up ruckman and tall defender played the first two finals before being left out of the preliminary final side.

3. Mitch Wallis

Age: 28. Games: 157. Goals: 105. Finals: 2.

Bulldogs vice-captain this year has found himself on the fringes of the team, managing just six games. Missed the 2016 flag with a broken leg.

20. Ed Richards

Age: 22. Games: 63. Goals: 24. Finals: 2.

The speedster has been squeezed out of the Dogs' best team this year after being a regular for the previous three seasons.