Former Gold Coast ruckman and VFL star Brayden Crossley has been invited to participate in the Bulldogs' intra-club match based in Maroochydore during the club's pre-season camp in Queensland.
The Bulldogs are currently based on the Sunshine Coast and have invited the Southport Sharks star to play in the club's match simulation following Tim English's abdominal injury, who did not travel interstate this week.
Under the rules of the Supplemental Selection Period, Crossley is permitted to train with the team, and whilst the Bulldogs have invited Crossley purely for the intra-club match, they are reportedly open to extending the 25-year-old's trial back in Victoria to vy for the club's final list spot.
VFL J.J. Liston medal winner and grand final rival Dom Brew is currently training as another mature-aged SSP option for the Bulldogs, invited to train with the team when the window opened in late November.
Brew suffered a quad injury in his first week at the club but has since recovered and is back to full training.
Crossley played 10 games at the Suns after being drafted as an Academy graduate with Pick 52 in the 2017 National Draft.
Crossley unintentionally tested positive for a cocaine metabolite ahead of a NEAFL game in 2019 and was suspended for 12 months due to the substance falling under Sports Integrity Australia's, formerly ASADA's, anti-doping code.
The 198cm footballer was delisted at the end of 2019 but has since forged himself into one of the VFL's top ruckmen, earning VFL Team of the Year honours and grand final appearances with Southport in 2022 and 2024.
His dominance has been eye-catching, averaging 70 hitouts between his preliminary final and grand final performances.
Southport wished Crossley good luck as they acknowledged his training opportunity with the AFL side.
"All the best to Brayden Crossley who has been invited to train with the Western Bulldogs at their pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast," the club said.
The Bulldogs have been eyeing a backup ruck option as Rory Lobb looks set to be stationed in defence.
At the same time, former Dog Jordon Sweet made a move to Port Adelaide in 2023 and St Kilda claimed the talents of SANFL star Harry Boyd during this year's Supplemental Selection Period.
The SSP window closes on February 21, with Crossley to press Brew for the final spot at Whitten Oval.
