Young Bulldog Joel Freya will return to VFL action this weekend (Getty Images/AFL Photos)
Young guns Western Bulldogs Joel Freya was dropped for the decider against Gold Kop due to poor form.
He was once nicknamed “Baby Bont” because of his resemblance to the captain. Marcus BontempelliFreya struggled mightily during his third AFL season.
Freya, just 20, is set to play in the Bulldogs’ VFL match on Sunday ahead of the AFL match against the Suns in Carrara.
Like ahead Riley Westwho returned to the senior team, coach Luke Beveridge described Freya’s inaction as a “switch”.
“It wasn’t easy for him,” Beveridge said.
“At the moment his name is in the lineup. “I’m happy to say he’s likely to be in an emergency situation this week.”
Freya has had a stunning first two seasons in the AFL despite failing to be selected 45th overall in the 2023 draft.
“What’s special about young players is finding their way to the next level and becoming really influential players in the competition,” Beveridge said.
“It’s difficult to overcome these barriers.
“We saw how he can really make an impact last year, with his performance in Sydney (four goals, 23 possessions) probably being the high point of his performances.
“Week after week we hoped for the best for him.
“He plays through the central midfield area, a little on the wing, a little forward.
“He can definitely bounce back from time to time, but this week we’ll give him time away from AFL responsibilities and the pressures at that level.”
Sick ruckman Tim English has been earmarked for a return after missing last week’s hard-fought win over West Coast due to ongoing back soreness.
He was a strong starter on Friday against the Suns.
Nick Coffield, Riley Sanders And Riley Garcia also return for the Bulldogs, while Luke Kennedy And Luke Cleary I join Freya as an omission.
The Bulldogs also confirmed their veteran status. Adam Treloar suffered a calf injury that could have ended his 263-game AFL career.
Treloar had suffered from soft tissue problems over the past two seasons and was seriously considering retirement.
AARP