The Western Bulldogs will unveil a new face at Norwood Oval on Saturday as the club confirmed that draftee Cooper Hynes will make his debut against Brisbane.
Hynes joined the club with Pick 20 in last year's National Draft, and has impressed since walking through the doors of Whitten Oval.
The Dandenong Stingrays product is a strong-bodied forward-midfielder, standing at 190cm, who oozes class and leadership.
"It was an unbelievable moment when I saw Dad walk in โ I sort of thought that something was up, but when I saw him, it was a shock," Hynes said.
"It's very exciting. I can't wait.
"My family have been awesome for me ever since I decided I wanted to take football seriously. They've been there for me every step of the way.
"They're my biggest supporters, so I can't wait to play for them this weekend."
Hynes has plaaed in two VFL matches for the Bulldogs, including against Werribee last weekend, where he kicked the match-winning goal to go with his 19 touches, seven tackles and five clearances.
That performance mirrored his club debut in the reserves against the Northern Bullants in Round 1, gathering 21 possessions, four clearances, four marks and a goal.
Mature-age recruit Sam Davidson and second-round pick Josh Dolan were drafted last November and have both played the first four games of 2025.
Hynes will follow in his father's footsteps of playing at the highest level, with John Haynes featuring for Carlton in 1998.
The remainder of the AFL team will be announced at 6:20pm AEST tonight.
