Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has indicated that captain Marcus Bontempelli is likely to play on Saturday against Fremantle, despite missing training this week due to illness.
Bontempelli, who battled a similar ailment before Round 12, has a light session scheduled for Friday at Whitten Oval, his only training block before the upcoming match at Marvel Stadium.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Beveridge confirmed that it would “take something pretty significant” to keep Bontempelli out of the team.
“He has been ill,” Beveridge said. “He was crook a couple of weeks ago too, that was before the Collingwood game. He was pretty crook that week and came out and played a significantly influential game.”
Bontempelli will have a different preparation this week, and Beveridge hopes the illness won’t affect him too much.
The Bulldogs have made three changes for Round 14, with Cody Weightman and Ed Richards returning from injury, and Anthony Scott earning a recall after a week in the VFL. Defenders Alex Keath (hamstring) and Riley Garcia have been omitted, with Beveridge explaining Garcia needs to work on aspects of his game at training and in the lower level before returning.
Jedd Busslinger, who was considered to replace Keath, has been named as an emergency after a strong season in the VFL. Beveridge praised Busslinger’s form and hinted that his AFL debut is not far away.
Rory Lobb has recovered from an ankle issue and will play against his former team, Fremantle. Tim English, who is a restricted free agent, is yet to sign a new deal for next season, but Beveridge expressed optimism that he will remain with the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs face Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Saturday at 1:45pm (AEST).
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