Dogs look to promote another rookie
LINE-BREAKING midfielder Jason Johannisen is favoured to become the third rookie to be promoted to the Western Bulldogs' playing list this season after defender James Mulligan was placed on the long-term injury list on Wednesday.
AFL.com.au recently highlighted the depth of talent on the Bulldogs' rookie list, identifying Johannisen and fellow 19-year-old midfielder Lin Jong as players who would perhaps be in the running for senior berths if they were on the club's primary list.
Both Johannisen and Jong have been impressive with the Bulldogs' VFL affiliate Williamstown.
Second-year rookie Johannisen, recruited from WAFL club East Fremantle, was sidelined with a medial ligament earlier this season but quickly regained form.
He appears likely to join elevated pair Mark Austin and Tom Campbell at AFL level, where his speed and elusiveness would complement the Bulldogs' admirable contested work.
Things don't look as positive for 23-year-old Mulligan, who has been struck down with a season-ending Achilles injury.
The 199cm 96kg Queenslander, who played three games for the Bulldogs last year, will be uncontracted at season's end and now faces an uncertain future at Whitten Oval. He played just five games in Williamstown's senior side this year.
Regardless of which player the Bulldogs decide to upgrade (Total Player Payments permitting), it will add some much-needed excitement and enthusiasm to a club that has lost five of its past six games - including their past three in a row - by an average of 58 points.