Rookie defender Roarke Smith is set to play his second AFL game this weekend after being named to face the Bombers on Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.

19-year-old Smith was elevated off of the rookie list on Thursday afternoon after a string of impressive VFL performances since returning from a knee reconstruction against Coburg in June.

“We just love what Roarke brings to us,’ assistant coach Steven King told westernbulldogs.com.au

“With his athleticism, he’s obviously really strong in the air with his intercept marks but he also takes the game on,” King said.

“It’s great reward for what he’s done at VFL level and the volume of work he’s put in over the last year.”

Toby McLean also returns from injury, lining up for his first AFL game after recovering from a foot injury sustained against the West Coast Eagles in round 11.

Matthew Suckling will miss this weekend as he manages an achilles complaint, while Jake Stringer, Koby Stevens and Will Minson round out the emergencies.

On Suckling, King said the slick left-footer could have played if he needed to and will likely play against Fremantle next weekend.

“The boys just want to manage him and with only a couple of games left before the finals, he said.

“We need him back at his best so hopefully that can all settle down.”

Western Bulldogs v Essendon

Sunday 21 August 2016, 4:40pm

Venue: Etihad Stadium





Full back S Biggs F Roberts E Wood Half back J Johannisen J Hamling M Boyd Centreline L Hunter M Bontempelli L Picken Half forward L Jong Z Cordy C Smith Full forward T Dickson T Boyd C Daniel Followers J Roughead L Dahlhaus J Dunkley Interchange N Hrovat T McLean L Webb R Smith Emergencies J Stringer K Stevens W Minson

In: R Smith, T McLean

Out: M Suckling (Achilles) J Stringer (Omitted)