Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith is on monitor to return from a calf harm in opposition to Hawthorn on Saturday.
Captain Marcus Bontempelli says the 22-year-old is refreshed and prepared following a two-week absence, and poised to assist fill the midfield void left by Tom Liberatore, who will miss because of a concussion sustained within the win over the Dockers.
Bontempelli, who will this week play his two hundredth sport for the Bulldogs, mentioned his premiership teammate appeared prone to return following the necessary 12-day break.
“At this stage I’ve seen him do a few things (at the club), and I think that means he’s progressing quite well,” Bontempelli mentioned.
“Obviously it takes time to fully assess and get over the symptoms, but from what I can tell from speaking to him so far, he’s in a pretty good space.
“We’ll let it play out as the days unfold, but hopefully get him back as soon as (possible).”
He mentioned Smith’s want to impose himself bodily would assist change a few of Liberatore’s energy at stoppages.
“Missing Tom with a concussion is a downer, but to bring someone in who is going to be really physical and really want to impose himself on the game pretty quickly is a big positive,” Bontempelli mentioned.
“(Smith) was moving pretty well today so he’ll definitely be right in the frame if things all go well.”
Bontempelli mentioned specializing in attempting to switch the within grunt of Josh Dunkley had unlocked his scintillating type to begin the season.
The 27-year-old has been the competitors’s standout midfielder over the primary six rounds, with career-high averages for clearances (8.5) and tackles (7.5) after a dominant 31-disposal and 12-tackle efficiency in Perth.
“Losing Josh was a big talking point and he was a very combative inside player for us,” Bontempelli mentioned.
“He took care of that, with Tom (Liberatore) and others, at different points when we’ve been really dominant.
“I’ve looked to fill that gap and explore that part of my game, and still let the front-half game be a key factor … you’re always looking for new strings to add to your bow, and that’s been me so far this year.”
Bontempelli mentioned he was hungry for extra group success after a embellished first 200 video games, with the Bulldogs star keenly conscious the top of his profession is now nearer than the beginning.
“I know with game 200 this week there’s less to go than I’ve committed,” he mentioned.
“You’re really trying to make the most of every game and take it in as much as you can, then think about what you can leave behind in the back half of your career.”
Source: www.news.com.au
