Western Bulldogs young gun Joel Freijah has been dropped for a crunch clash with Gold Coast following a tough run of form.
Once nicknamed ‘Baby Bont’ due to his similarities with captain Marcus Bontempelli, Freijah has struggled for his best during his third season in the AFL.
Still just 20, Freijah will play in the Bulldogs’ VFL game on Sunday before the AFL match against the Suns at People First Stadium.
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The final teams for the three AFL games on Sunday will be confirmed later on Friday.
Like forward Rhylee West, who has made his way back into the seniors, coach Luke Beveridge described Freijah’s omission as a “circuit breaker”.
“It’s been challenging for him,” Beveridge said.
“He’s named in the squad at the moment.
“I’m happy to say that he’s likely to be an emergency this week.”
Freijah put together a stunning first two seasons in the AFL, despite slipping to pick No.45 in the 2023 draft, and was up to 43 straight appearances in the seniors.
“There’s a thing with young players finding their way as far as the next level goes and being a really influential player in the competition,” Beveridge said.
“It’s hard to get through those barriers.
“We saw how he can really influence outcomes last year — his Sydney game (four goals, 23 possessions) was probably the high water mark of his performances.
“Week to week we’ve been hoping for his best.
“He’s playing through that midfield area inside, bit of wing, a little bit forward.
“He can definitely play back at times, but we’ll give him a spell from AFL duties and the pressures of that level this week.”
Sore ruckman Tim English has been named to return after missing last week’s gritty win over West Coast due to ongoing back soreness.
But he will have to get through training on Friday to be a definite starter against the Suns.
“It’s probably a bit more advanced on last week,” Beveridge said of English.
“He’s a bit 50-50 last week on playing, so I’d say this week the probability seems more heavily in favour of him playing.”
