Lin Jong elevated to the Western Bulldogs senior list

LIN Jong, the Western Bulldogs rookie of Taiwanese decent, has been elevated to the senior list and could make a fast-tracked debut.

LIN Jong, the Western Bulldogs rookie of Taiwanese decent, has been elevated to the senior list and could make a fast-tracked debut as soon as this Sunday.

The 19-year-old, who was plucked with pick No. 9 in last year's rookie draft, is the fourth Dogs rookie to be elevated to the senior list this season.

It caps a stunning rise for Jong, who was last month surprisingly dropped by Williamstown to its VFL development squad.

Jong, who was born in Melbourne to a Taiwanese mother and East Timorese father - who both moved to Australia about 25 years ago - has been in outstanding VFL form for affiliate Williamstown.

Jong's pressure has been a feature, laying 42 tackles in his past seven second-tier matches.

He was crowned best-afield when the Seagulls beat Coburg this year, racking up 21 effective possessions and booting two goals.

The strong-bodied yet athletic midfielder replaced Daniel Cross on the primary list and said before the season he hoped to be a trailblazer for Asian footballers dreaming of playing AFL.

"Hopefully it might inspire some kids to start playing footy,'' Jong said. "But I'll just try to do my best and whatever happens, happens, really.''


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Jong, who stands 189cm, 85kg and wears jumper No. 46, was plucked from Oakleigh Chargers after an impressive second half to last year's TAC Cup.

Jong could join fellow rookies Mark Austin, Tom Campbell and Jason Johannisen to debut this season in a big boost to star recruiter Simon Dalrymple.

The Dogs must make at least two changes for Sunday's clash with Richmond with Tom Liberatore (suspension) and Jason Tutt (hamstring) ruled out.

"Lin is a great competitor and a terrific young person who works extremely hard at his craft,” Dogs development coach Peter German said.

“He can play in a variety of positions and has been a consistent performer in the VFL this season.”

The Dogs are also expected to regain Easton Wood, Lukas Markovic and Justin Sherman from injuries this week.