AFL 2024: Western Bulldogs confirm debutants as Jack Macrae in doubt

An interrupted pre-season has been too much of a setback for a veteran Western Bulldogs star but the emergence of their to top draft pick has his coach excited.

Bulldog Jack Macrae is unlikely to play in round 1. Picture: Michael Klein

The likely absence of All-Australian midfielder Jack Macrae from the Western Bulldogs’ round 1 side should be offset by the launch of exciting draft pick Ryley Sanders, who coach Luke Beveridge declared was “well ahead” of any other first year players he’d seen at the club.

A hamstring issue in February has left Macrae behind the eight-ball and Beveridge said he’s unlikely to be picked for Sunday’s showdown with Melbourne as he builds fitness.

But amid his absence, Beveridge praised the dedication of 19-year-old Sanders as the No.6 pick in last year’s draft prepares for his near certain senior debut having surprised the premiership coach with how quickly he took to life as an AFL player.

“In a significant way, he’s well ahead of any first year players that I’ve ever seen come through our football club,” Beveridge said on Tuesday.

“It’s a pleasant surprise because (Bulldogs recruiting manager) Sam (Power) worked really hard in negotiations to get us in a good position to have the opportunity to possibly bring Ryley in.

“To pull that off was a bit of a coup for us. So we feel he’s got a really bright future.”

Western Bulldogs No. 6 pick Ryley Sanders is likely to make an immediate senior debut against Melbourne on Sunday. Picture: Michael Klein

Beveridge wouldn’t rule Macrae out of Sunday’s clash against the Demons but said he wanted to pick a side that could “play until the last minute” as he also signalled to his senior players they would have to fight harder for their spots this season as the club looks to return to the finals.

The coach said the 29-year-old, who was surprisingly dropped from the Bulldogs’ leadership group last month after two years as vice-captain, had been impressive in a VFL practice game last weekend but would need to do more to prove he was match fit after missing most of February with a hamstring strain suffered during training.

“He went OK, he went pretty well on a difficult day … he had a strong hitout, as I said, he’s a little bit behind now as far as match practice goes,” Beveridge said.

“We’ll consider Jack as we always will because of his experience and what he’s been able to do over the journey, but if we feel he’s not quite ready, due to what his preparation has been in recent times, then he more than likely won’t be in the team.”

Bulldog Jack Macrae is likely to miss round 1 after a hamstring strain kept him out of the two pre-season matches against Hawthorn last month. Picture: Michael Klein

As the Bulldogs confirmed mature-age recruits James Harmes, Nick Coffield and Lachie Bramble would all play against Melbourne, Beveridge said the trio had increased the club’s training standards and would also put pressure on senior players for spots.

Premiership halfbacks Caleb Daniel and Jason Johannisen will be among those under pressure at selection on Thursday, with Bramble and Coffield set to restart their careers in the Bulldogs’ back six.

The Demons clash will be the first for Coffield since the former No. 8 pick last played for St Kilda in round 23, 2021.

“It can take some of the load off (senior players) but it can also put pressure on them for their own spot in the team, and that’s always healthy,” he said of the new recruits’ pre-season form.

“It’s disconcerting for the boys who miss out on games, but there’s no doubt it drives higher standards and stronger performances week to week, and maybe that’s something that will be hopefully more evident this year.”

You won't have to wait much longer to see these 3 run out in the red, white + blue ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JiJyyFv8Uh

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) March 12, 2024

Beveridge said forward-ruck Sam Darcy would be “considered” for selection but was not necessarily in direct competition with Rory Lobb for a spot, as he said the Bulldogs hadn’t settled on their composition of talls in attack.

He said tough conditions imposed on his side in the second pre-season match against Hawthorn in Launceston would help them be ready for the unique challenge of facing a Melbourne side that has already played a competitive match.

“I won’t say I haven’t thought about it, but I think there’s an argument either way – to say it’s better for the team who have got one on the board, at least they’ve had a game … but there’s also the counter argument (which) is are we fresher? Is that more important? So I’m not sure where I sit on it,” he said.

“I don’t think (the Demons have a physical advantage). We’ve come this far after a pretty extensive pre-season where you’ve tested yourself out. I think most clubs are playing more match practice than they ever have.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Western Bulldogs confirm debutants as Jack Macrae in doubt