Rookie List

Gifted a second chance on the Western Bulldogs rookie list, Mark Austin embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. The athletic key defender has been plagued by injuries in the past but managed to string 11 games together in 2012 after being elevated to the senior list. The South Australian initially spent six years on Carlton’s list after being drafted to the Blues in 2006 with their third round selection (pick 35).

Elevated to the senior list in lieu of Tom Williams - who was placed on the long term injury list - the key defender made his debut for the Bulldogs in Round four against Melbourne. Curtailing the influence of a number of powerhouse forwards in his eleven games, Season 2012 saw Austin grow in confidence and almost double his career game tally. In a cruel twist of fate the 23 year-old fractured his wrist in the Bulldogs clash with his old club Carlton in round 17, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.