The Western Bulldogs will unleash their first debutant of season 2022 in Saturday’s Ballarat fixture against Adelaide.

Mature-age recruit Robbie McComb will don the red, white and blue for the first time, given the nod after a dominant start to the VFL season for Footscray.

The 26-year-old was selected at Pick 23 in the 2021 Rookie Draft, showing persistence pays off after spending four years on the Club’s VFL list.

03:15

100 Games | Tim O'Brien

Look back at Tim O'Brien's career to date before he plays his 100th game against Adelaide in Round 6.

A career-best season skyrocketed the proven ball-winner into AFL calculations, averaging 26 touches a game, winning the Footscray fairest and best and making the VFL Team of the Year.

Veteran ruckman Stefan Martin will play his 200th game of AFL after being named to replace Tim English.

The 35-year-old has played at both Melbourne and Brisbane previously to the Bulldogs, racking up nine games in his first season at Whitten Oval in 2021.

03:37

200 Games | Stefan Martin

Watch the best moments from the career to date of Stefan Martin, as he prepares to play his 200th AFL game.

English will miss the clash against the Crows after sustaining a hamstring injury during training this week.

Josh Schache returns to the line-up and will add flexibility to the side, while Riley Garcia is set to spend time on the sidelines, injuring his knee against North Melbourne last week.

Lachie Hunter and Mitch Wallis come out of the side for personal reasons.

Hayden Crozier, Rhylee West, Buku Khamis and Jordon Sweet are the emergencies for Saturday’s clash.

A player will be confirmed as the medical sub an hour before the first bounce. 

Fox Footy will broadcast the game live.

ROUND 6 TEAM
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide
Saturday 23 April, 1.45pm EST
Mars Stadium

B: Ed Richards, Ryan Gardner, Taylor Duryea
HB: Caleb Daniel, Tim O’Brien, Bailey Dale
C: Lachlan McNeil Jack Macrae, Anthony Scott
HF: Tom Liberatore, Zaine Cordy, Adam Treloar
F: Marcus Bontempelli Aaron Naughton, Cody Weightman
R: Stefan Martin, Bailey Smith, Josh Dunkley
Int: Robbie McComb, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Josh Schache, Bailey Williams
Emer: Hayden Crozier, Rhylee West, Buku Khamis, Jordon Sweet

In: Stefan Martin, Robbie McComb, Josh Schache
Out: Tim English (hamstring), Lachie Hunter (personal reasons), Riley Garcia (knee), Mitch Wallis (personal reasons)

Last week’s sub: M. Wallis (replaced R. Garcia)