The Western Bulldogs have confirmed three inclusions for Saturday night’s top-of-the-table clash against Melbourne at the MCG.

Star midfielder Tom Liberatore will return to the line-up after being managed for last week’s win against the Gold Coast Suns.

Mitch Hannan also returns after a week out to take on his former side for the first time, while Josh Schache comes in for his second AFL game of 2021 – after most recently featuring against Richmond in round seven.

The Bulldogs will lose Josh Dunkley, who remains in home quarantine after visiting a Tier 1 coronavirus exposure site.

05:06

Josh Dunkley | 'I've been dealing with it pretty well'

Hear from Josh Dunkley from his home during his time in quarantine.

Hayden Crozier and Lachie McNeil also make way from last week’s team.

Crozier and McNeil are among the Bulldogs’ emergencies, alongside Anthony Scott – last week’s unused medical sub – and Lewis Young.

One of the four will be confirmed as the medical sub an hour prior to the opening bounce.

04:22

Match Committee | Round 19

Brett Phillips joins Matt Rendell for this week's Match Committee.

The Bulldogs and Dees have already met once this year.

That game was also a clash between first and second on the AFL ladder, with the Dees recording a 28-point win in round 11 at Marvel Stadium.

Saturday night’s clash will be broadcast live on Channel 7mate and Fox Footy.

 

ROUND 19 TEAM

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 24 July, 7.25pm AEST
MCG

B: Ed Richards, Alex Keath, Bailey Williams
HB: Taylor Duryea, Zaine Cordy, Bailey Dale
C: Jack Macrae, Bailey Smith, Caleb Daniel
HF: Riley Garcia, Aaron Naughton, Cody Weightman
F: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Josh Bruce, Lachie Hunter
R: Tim English, Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli
Int: Josh Schache, Mitch Hannan, Roarke Smith, Jason Johannisen
Emer: Lewis Young, Hayden Crozier, Anthony Scott, Lachie McNeil

In: Josh Schache, Tom Liberatore, Mitch Hannan
Out: Josh Dunkley (quarantine), Anthony Scott (medi-sub), Hayden Crozier, Lachie McNeil