There’s likely to be a lot of discussion at the SUNS Match Committee meeting this week following the weekend’s loss to Collingwood.
At least two changes will need to be made, with captain Steven May and midfielder Jarryd Lyons set to miss with injury, as confirmed in the Optomo Injury Report.
Jack Leslie, who loomed as the obvious replacement for May, suffered an injury during the NEAFL and will also miss this week.
Despite kicking six goals for the reserves on the weekend, Keegan Brooksby could be a chance to line up in defence, as he did against Port Adelaide earlier in the season.
Although not a like-for-like replacement for May, Ryan Davis has slotted in at half back this season and could be an option if the Bulldogs go in with a smaller forward line.
There are plenty of players putting their hand up to take the midfield spot vacated by Lyons.
Inside midfielder Mitch Hallahan racked up 30 disposals and seven clearances in his last hitout, and could replicate the work at the coalface that Lyons has excelled at this season.
Darcy Macpherson, Jesse Lonergan and Josh Schoenfeld were all named among the best for the reserves on the weekend.
Draftees Will Brodie, Jack Scrimshaw and Brad Scheer are all looking to develop their craft and work their way into the team as we head into the back half of the season.