Bulldogs might rest Hall and Johnson - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Bulldogs might rest Hall and Johnson

By Adam Cooper 12/07/2010 08:59:16 AM Comments (0)

The Western Bulldogs are considering resting full-forward Barry Hall for next Saturday night's AFL game in Darwin despite his excellent form.

Hall booted six goals in the Doggies' 68-point win over Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday night, which gave him 54 for the season, four behind Richmond's Jack Riewoldt in the race for Coleman Medal.

But Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade floated the idea of resting Hall, 33, from the trip to the top end to play Port Adelaide because he experienced ankle soreness late in the game.

Eade also said skipper Brad Johnson was unlikely to make the trip as he too felt ankle soreness, and has experienced an interrupted season through ankle and achilles problems.

"There are a couple of others who, if we were playing in Melbourne might play, but in a six-day break going into heat, we certainly won't take any chances," Eade said after the 20.6 (126) to 8.10 (58) win.

"Barry Hall might be one of those.

"That was why he was off at the end, his ankle was a little bit sore. We'll just have to wait and see.

"That's the reason we tried to take some time off the clock, to save some legs for next week."

Eade said veteran Jason Akermanis would be considered for a recall given he had completed his short stint in the VFL after overcoming his hamstring injury.

"He's certainly in the mix, no doubt," he said.

"He played all right today apparently, he and (Nathan) Eagleton played extremely well, so you pick guys on form."

Forward Mitch Hahn is still sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Eade admitted the Bulldogs wanted to play their best side given they must keep winning in the race for the double chance, and expected Port to lift in their first game under caretaker coach Matthew Primus.

"We need to get over the line against a team that's going to have a bit to play for, for a new coach," he said.

"Those teams tend to get up first-up so we need to play our best side if we can."

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