'Pantry full' of talent makes for a healthy Kennel

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ONCE in short supply at Whitten Oval, depth is making the Western Bulldogs an extremely healthy team, according to coach Luke Beveridge.


After dismantling perennial contender Fremantle in the opening round, the Bulldogs head into Saturday's clash with St Kilda unchanged but a vastly different side to the one that ran out against the Saints in round six last year.


"It's been a big change if you consider we had nine different players in the corresponding game last year, so we're evolving and maturing and with some boys knocking on the door that is extremely healthy," Beveridge said.


"Having a pantry full of really capable players is really important, but the boys are improving all the time and hopefully that will hold us in good stead throughout the course of the year."


Beveridge pointed to the contributions of ex-Hawk Matt Suckling and round one debutants Marcus Adams and Josh Dunkley as intensifying the competition for spots.


The trio's strong performances since joining the club have 2015 regulars Joel Hamling, Fletcher Roberts, Bailey Dale and former Brisbane Lions' skipper Jed Adcock biding their time in the VFL.


"There's a core group players who have been playing practice match after practice match at VFL level and performing extremely well," Beveridge said.


"To play some new players who have had really strong pre-seasons and establish quite early that they are going to influence whether we win week to week, it's really healthy for us."


The ruck is arguably the most hotly contested position for the ladder leaders, with Beveridge declaring Tom Campbell "stiff" not be running out against the Saints in his return from an ankle injury.


Jordan Roughead grabbed his chance in the absence of Campbell, impressing around the ground and up forward against the Dockers.


"We were really happy with Jordan's game last week, he and Tom Boyd formed a really strong combination," Beveridge said.


"Tom Campbell is really stiff with his (ankle) injury because he had such a strong pre season, but unfortunately has hasn't been able to wedge himself back in.


"As long 'Roughy' and Tom (Boyd) keep performing, it's going to be hard for him to get back in."


And with the Dogs gunning for a 11th straight win at Etihad Stadium, Beveridge is expecting a fired up St Kilda side for Nick Riewoldt's 300th game.


'There will be a real emotional attachment to the game for the Saints and we've got enormous respect for Nick and what he's done in the game," he said.


"We're are sensitive to that, but it's not something we can think too much about (because) we've got to take care of our own backyard."


The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs