The Western Bulldogs will hand first-year wingman Joel Freijah his AFL debut on Saturday against Richmond.
Freijah joined the Dogs through last year's National Draft as the 45th overall selection, landing at the Kennel out of Horsham
The teenager has been a shining light for Footscray in the VFL in recent weeks in holding down an attacking role in the Bulldogs' back half, with Freijah recording 21.8 disposals and 7.4 marks from his five games this year.
The Dogs are set to be without midfielder Tom Liberatore due to concussion, with coach Luke Beveridge to make at least one change for this weekend's game.
Freijah has been confirmed as an inclusion for Round 9, with the young ball winner expressing his delight in earning a chance at senior level.
“It's just pure excitement at the moment...all the boys getting to me straight away was pure enjoyment,” Freijah said in a club announcement.
“I probably (didn't think it'd happen so soon) early on, but in the last 3-4 weeks I've been developing alright and working really closely with AJ, Jamie Maddocks and Bevo obviously. To happen so quickly is exciting.
“Playing on the ‘G for the first time – I just can't wait to get out there and do the boys, the club and the people that have supported me proud.”
Freijah is the Dogs' fourth AFL debutant of 2024, following Harvey Gallagher, Ryley Sanders and recent first-gamer Charlie Clarke in coming into Beveridge's side.
