One league debutant and two club debutants headlines selection news for the Western Bulldogs for Friday night’s season-opener against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.

As revealed on Thursday morning, mature-age recruit Ben Cavarra will play his first AFL game, while off-season recruits Josh Bruce and Alex Keath will pull on the red, white and blue for the first time.





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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Keath & Bruce presented with Bulldogs jumper Watch as Alex Keath and Josh Bruce accept their playing jumper ahead of their first game in the red, white and blue on Friday night against Collingwood.

Rising star Aaron Naughton has also been declared fit, having overcome a minor knee injury to take his place in the side.

Cavarra earns his call-up on the back of a strong pre-season in his second year as a Bulldog.

The 24-year-old small forward was overlooked at multiple drafts, before being welcomed to VU Whitten Oval at the end of 2018.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Ben Cavarra presented AFL jumper Daniel Giansiracusa presented Ben Cavarra his AFL jumper today as he gets set to debut in tomorrow night's game against Collingwood

After an injury-affected 2019, he has finally got his chance.

The Bulldogs have seven changes from last year’s elimination final team.

Joining the three newcomers in the side are Mitch Wallis, Caleb Daniel, Bailey Williams and Ryan Gardner.

Wallis will play his first AFL game since round 10 last year.

Josh Schache, Toby McLean, Ed Richards and yet-to-debut ruckman Jordon Sweet have been named as the emergencies.

Pat Lipinski was unavailable for selection after sustaining a concussion injury in the Bulldogs’ second Marsh Community Series match.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Press Conference | Luke Beveridge (Rd 1) Luke Beveridge spoke to the media ahead of round 1, and after announcing that Pedigree will be the 2020 Coaches Sponsor.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the match will be played behind closed doors, with quarters reduced to 16 minutes plus time on.

The match will be broadcast live by Channel 7 and FOX Footy.

ROUND 1 TEAM

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood

Friday 20 March, 7.50pm AEDT

Marvel Stadium

B: Alex Keath, Zaine Cordy, Easton Wood

HB: Hayden Crozier, Jason Johannisen, Caleb Daniel

C: Bailey Smith, Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter

HF: Bailey Dale, Josh Bruce, Matt Suckling

F: Mitch Wallis, Aaron Naughton, Sam Lloyd

Foll: Tim English, Josh Dunkley, Jack Macrae

Int: Lewis Young, Ben Cavarra, Bailey Williams, Ryan Gardner

Emer: Josh Schache, Toby McLean, Ed Richards, Jordon Sweet