Western Bulldogs unveil two draftees for clash with Melbourne

The Western Bulldogs have confirmed the unveiling of two new players for their clash with Melbourne on Sunday at the MCG.

Pick 6 from the 2023 Draft Ryley Sanders and Pick 39 in 2022 Harvey Gallagher will don the red, blue and white for the first time.

Sanders, who's been lauded for his professionalism and ready-made stature, is raring to go in the midfield, working alongside stars in Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore.

2024-03-17T02:00:00Z

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Hailing from North Launceston, the youngster is "stoked" with the outcome of debuting so early in the piece, but knows the job has only just begun.

“It feels great – I've just been stoked with how welcoming all the players and coaches have been towards me. I've just felt so comfortable and they've let me do the things that got me drafted, so I'm glad that's shown in the pre-season and Bevo and the coaches have picked me,” Sanders told Bulldogs Media.

“It's an unreal opportunity to debut at any time, but especially in round one in front of a big crowd at the MCG against a good side in Melbourne – it'll be great.”

As for Gallagher, his unveiling comes from hard work and perseverance, following an injury-interrupted 2023.

Known for his work rate and speed, the former Bendigo Pioneers captain will feature heavily in the Dogs' forward line, applying pressure to the Demon defenders.

“It's been a bit of an interrupted first year, but after a solid pre-season it's been good to get the runs on the board,” Gallagher said.

“It's pretty cool debuting at the ‘G too – I've never played there so that will be pretty nice as well.”

Sanders and Gallagher will join fellow new faces at the Western Bulldogs on Sunday as they run out onto the MCG.

Nick Coffield, James Harmes and Lachlan Bramble have also been named for the first time as Bulldogs players.

Coffield (St Kilda) and Harmes (Melbourne) sought a fresh start after falling behind in the pecking order at their respective clubs while Bramble was delisted by Hawthorn and scooped up by the Western Bulldogs during the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).