TEAMS: Bulldogs drop midfielder, key forward set for Tigers debut
THE WESTERN Bulldogs have a made a statement by dropping youngsters Jack Macrae, Nathan Hrovat and Lukas Webb for Sunday's clash with Fremantle at Etihad Stadium.
The trio paid the price for last week's fade-out against St Kilda. Clay Smith is also out for the remainder of the season after undergoing his third knee reconstruction.
Veteran Matthew Boyd and midfielders Mitch Wallis and Lin Jong return from injury, while 2014 draftee Bailey Dale will make his debut against Fremantle.
The Dockers have made one change. Tom Sheridan returns in place of Matt de Boer. Defender Luke McPharlin did not recover from calf soreness to make the trip to Melbourne. Jack Hannath and de Boer have travelled as emergencies.
The Tigers have made four changes from the side that lost to North Melbourne last week.
Veteran Chris Newman (groin) and key forward Ben Griffiths (concussion) are out, while Nathan Gordon and David Astbury have been dropped.
Liam McBean will make his debut while Ty Vickery, Corey Ellis and Todd Elton also return. Elton has not played since his debut in round 14, 2012.
Paul Seedsman is one of two inclusions for the Pies, alongside last year's No.5 draft pick Jordan De Goey.
Tony Armstrong and Sam Dwyer have both been omitted from the side that lost to Geelong last week.
Port Adelaide has named Karl Amon to make his debut against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
Amon has earned his spot through consistent performances in the SANFL after being recruited with pick No.68 in the 2013 NAB AFL draft. Cam O'Shea and Jarman Impey have also been included.
Key defender Alipate Carlile will miss with a back injury. Aaron Young and Brendon Ah Chee have both been ommitted.
The Lions are unchanged from the side that beat Carlton last Sunday.
Sunday, May 17
Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, Etihad Stadium, 1.10pm AEST
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