Brad Lynch will become the fourth Western Bulldogs debutant for the 2018 season when he is named to play against Geelong on Friday night.

The 20-year-old, who is in his third season at VU Whitten Oval, will become the 1007th player in Bulldogs history to get his chance at senior level.

He joins Aaron Naughton, Ed Richards and Billy Gowers as first-gamers for the Club this year.

A running defender with strong foot skills, Lynch has impressed at VFL level in recent weeks after injury curtailed the early part of his season.

He collected 19 disposals and took six marks in Footscray’s win over North Melbourne last weekend.

From Swan Districts, Lynch was recruited to the Bulldogs with their first pick in the 2015 NAB Rookie Draft, and an impressive 2016 season saw him become a member of Footscray’s premiership team.

Injuries twice interrupted the 2017 season for Lynch, but he managed 11 games in the VFL and showed more encouraging signs.

The Bulldogs’ team for the Round 15 Friday night clash with the Cats at Etihad Stadium will be announced at 6.25pm tonight.