The Western Bulldogs will enter round one with a near full strength side, as Stewart Crameri returns to the team for his first match of 2015.

The Dogs take on West Coast at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, with a host of young Dogs also securing their spot in the side after a solid pre-season.

Crameri will be joined in the Dogs’ forward line by off-season recruit Tom Boyd, who will play his first game in red, white and blue.

Jack Redpath, Lin Jong, Jason Johannisen and Mitch Honeychurch have all been given their chance after impressing late in 2014 and continuing that form through the summer.

The Dogs will come up against a potent West Coast forward structure but assistant coach Rohan Smith says his defensive line will be well equipped for the task.

“We’ve picked a strong six or seven guys that are going to go through there and they’re familiar with each other’s game styles and the way they want to play.

“We’ve got a really good mantra around the backline this year, it will be a strong test for us round one, West Coast Eagles’ forward line are very very good and it’s going to be a great test for us.”

Michael Talia will play alongside Jordan Roughead in the Dogs’ defence and Smith says the addition of a second tall will help ease the load.

“He’s started to get a little bit of confidence. If we can get a strong year out of ‘Tals’ it’s going to help Roughie and it’s also going to help Moz and Easton Wood down there.”

The Dogs’ have included Brett Goodes in their lineup, after he was recently elevated from the Club’s rookie list.

Goodes will help bring experience to a Dogs’ midfield that will come up against 2014 Brownlow Medallist Matthew Priddis, who averaged over 28 disposals last season.

After a long summer, Smith says his side is itching for footy to return.

“Pre-season is such a long time, we start October and now it’s April… We made it, we got through it and we’re excited for round one.”

ROUND 1 - Western Bulldogs vs West Coast
Saturday April 2015, 7:20pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
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