New big defender: The Bulldogs don't have a lot of size in their back line, and to give them more options for that it seems they may play James Mulligan. Tall defenders Wight and O'Shea didn't develop and are now gone, Tom Williams is still around but so are his injuries. Skipper and Welsh are gone too. There isn't a lot of depth behind Lake for the full back spot. James Mulligan probably doesn’t play a lot if Lake, Morris, Hargrave and Williams are healthy, but an injury or two to that group could see James Mulligan play a lot of minutes.
Why didn't he play when Hargrave was out Round 5.
Had cover for him within the team so they could bring in another type of player (moles). Moles was killing it preseason so deserved a shot at the big time.
When will he play.
As long as Williams, Morris and Lake are in the team, doubt they'll need a tall defender anytime soon. Got Hargrave and Harbrow able to run out of half back which leaves only maybe another 2 or 3 spots in the team for defensive players. If Gilbee plays there, even less.
Maybe one to consider next year but don't like his chances this year.