By Mick Jeffrey
May 16 2003

For a time the Western Bulldogs actually played their home games at Optus Oval as the ground rationalisation plan continued to really take shape. On Sunday however, the Bulldogs will be the away team and the underdogs as they face a Carlton side who has not won on their home turf since Round 22, 2001.

Many think Carlton would be a shoe-in given the number of injuries to key players that the Bulldogs have. Another 3 from the weekend only ensures that the injury list continues to grow. However, only Scott Bassett has been ruled out of the game due to a thigh injury, further depleting the key tall defender ranks.

Another 2 players injured last weekend are also in the team. Rohan Smith was always expected to play after the diagnosis on his knee on Monday was more than positive. Smith has been in very good form and is one of the experienced players to lead the way with so many others out.

More surprising was the selection of Daniel Bandy. Originally it was thought that a foot injury suffered against Bandy's former team last week would keep him sidelined for a further 2 weeks. However, in a miraculous recovery, the tall forward and back-up ruckman is still a big chance to play. Even so, the club has looked to insure the loss of the big man by calling up Nick Bruton for his 1st game. Having been at the club for a few years, this may be his big chance at making the grade at AFL level after injury riddled seasons woth Werribee.

3 other players complete the ins for this week. Matthew Croft has been named to play at full-forward but in reality, he will start the game in defence unless Peter Rhode puts faith in kids or smaller defenders. Matthew Robbins provides a little more speed as he returns from a neck injury in Round 4, while Daniel Cross has recovered from a broken hand but is unlikely to make the final 22.

TEAMS:
BULLDOGS
B: Gilbee, Harris, Harrison
HB: Smith, Skipper, R.Murphy
C: Dimattina, Westy, Giansiracusa
HF: Brown, Bandy, Bowden
F: McGuinness, Croft, Garlick
R: Darcy, Hahn, Johnson
INT FROM: Boyd, Cross, McMahon, Bruton, Robbins, Eagleton, Power

CARLTON
B: Sporn, Martyn, Thornton
HB: McKay, Kouta, Lappin
C: Wiggins, Ratten, Davies
HF: Beaumont, McKernan, Murphy
F: Houlihan, Fevola, Hickmott
R: French, Camporeale, Hulme
INT FROM: Allan, Fletcher, Franchina, Manton, Livingston, McCormick, Plunkett