Bulldogs big man shortage
South Fremantle's big-man depth is about to be tested with ruck recruit James Sellar expected to be out of action for a month and back-up Alistair Gillespie suspended for one match.
The absence of the two players is a cruel blow for the Bulldogs who have failed to win a match this season after widespread pre-season predictions of a return to finals action.
A loss to Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday would start to build considerable pressure on coach Paul Hasleby who has steered the Bulldogs to sixth and seventh in his two full seasons at the helm.
It is nearly 30 years since South failed to make the finals in three consecutive seasons.
Sellar will require surgery to repair torn knee cartilage and is not likely to play until the middle of next month. The former Adelaide and Melbourne big man started the season with a strong debut against Subiaco and a solid effort against Perth.
But the injury forced him to miss last Friday night's match against East Perth when Royals duo Paul Johnson and Scott Lycett dominated the ruck.
Gillespie was reported in that match for a high shepherd on Mitch Fraser and has accepted a one-match ban.
