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Find your Sport Nation frequency“Get the job done”: Why returning Dogs veteran is in the gun
Jaiden Sciberras • July 18th, 2025 4:11 pm
The Western Bulldogs have found themselves in a difficult position ahead of the run towards September, sitting a game outside of the eight, with three games against top eight opposition to play within their remaining six weeks.
Following their loss to the Crows in Round 18, their dire record against top eight opposition could leave their season on a knife’s edge. Having won just one game from their eight contests with sides currently occupying the eight, the Bulldogs have consistently failed to prove their worth in the battle for premiership contention.
With the Dogs behind the eight ball, this Friday night’s clash with the Brisbane Lions may prove to be a must-win in order to stay in touch with the contending sides, and the return of a vital defensive stock could be the difference.
Veteran key back Liam Jones has been selected to make his first appearance since Round 6 following a significant hamstring complaint, and given the Dogs’ defensive woes in recent weeks, David King hopes that the 34-year-old can significantly change the outlook on the Dogs’ back half.
“There’s only one man this round that goes in the gun,” King told SEN Fireball
“Come in at 34 years of age and stand up at full back. Show that you can be the reason that the Dogs can win the thing in a defensive sense.
“Liam Jones, this is your biggest opportunity right now. If he fails tonight, the coach will lose confidence in him very quickly.
“He’s been a good player, Liam Jones. I’m not giving up on him. A hungry player can often do things, we’ve seen players become taggers in the past, like 'Libba' (Tom Liberatore).
“’This is your last chance, this is the only way you can play for us’. I’m hoping for a response from Liam, I really am, and I think if he can, I think Lobby plays better when Liam is there, rather than when he has to be the alpha male down back.
“Liam Jones, get the job done tonight.”
The contest between the Lions and the Dogs tips off at the Gabba tonight at 7:40pm AEST.
