The Western Bulldogs will unveil former first-round draft selection Jedd Busslinger for Saturday night's affair against GWS.
Busslinger was drafted to the Dogs as the 13th overall pick in 2022, having emerged as a leading key defender out of Western Australia and East Perth.
The 21-year-old had a delayed start to his AFL career, having required shoulder surgery late into his draft campaign, with Busslinger making his VFL debut early into his rookie year after a limited pre-season.
The intercepting backman has since tallied 41 games at the state league level, with his most recent outing against Werribee netting him a return of 25 disposals and 10 marks.
With the Bulldogs set to shake up their key position ranks in the wake of Sam Darcy's knee injury, coach Luke Beveridge has looked toward Busslinger for his Round 7 plans to tame the Giants.
With Busslinger coming in for his debut, the arrival of the young stopper could see Buku Khamis and James O'Donnell utilised in attack alongside Aaron Naughton.
However, 7 News' Mitch Cleary has reported veteran Liam Jones could be dropped for the game, leaving Busslinger to potentially pair with Khamis and Rory Lobb in defence against the Giants' talls.
Liam Jones has been dropped by Luke Beveridge.
A new-look for the Dogs in defence. Jedd Busslinger to debut against a GWS line-that gets Jesse Hogan back.Full teams @7NewsMelbourne at 6pm
โ Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) April 24, 2025
The Dogs will have to name a replacement for Lachie McNeil, who has been ruled out of the Canberra game with a hamstring concern, with Laitham Vandermeer (knee) and James Harmes (foot) potentially in the mix to return in his place.
The Western Bulldogs and GWS will clash at Manuka Oval on Saturday night, with the Dogs eyeing their fourth win of 2025.
