Former Bulldog Justin Hardy set to debut for West Adelaide

FORMER Central District utility Justin Hardy will make his debut for West Adelaide in the clash against Norwood at Richmond on Friday night.

FORMER Central District utility Justin Hardy will make his debut for West Adelaide in the clash against Norwood at Richmond on Friday night after proving his fitness in the reserves.

The 2012 Ken Farmer Medallist had the start to his season delayed by a knee injury but four games in the reserves have convinced coach Mark Mickan he is ready for promotion.

“Justin has taken some good grabs and been going well,’’ Bloods football services manager Andrew Marks said.

Hardy has been named at full forward while the other inclusions in a 23-man squad are Peter Nelson, Ryan Dijksman and Lachlan Jennings.

The Bloods have lost Andrew Hayes for three weeks due to a hamstring issue and star on-baller Chris Schmidt will miss two games after being suspended.

The Redlegs omitted Patrick Levicki and Kane Murphy and the options to come into the side are Michael Chippendale, Ed Smart, Dylan Reinbrecht and Peter Persinos.