Western Bulldogs assistant Marc Webb has sung the praises of Jye Amiss after the one-game Fremantle forward was a shock inclusion for Saturday night's elimination final at Optus Stadium.
Amiss booted two goals and took five marks in his AFL debut in round eight, but he was rushed to hospital a few weeks later after suffering a serious kidney injury in the WAFL.
The 19-year-old underwent surgery and was initially ruled out for the rest of the season.
But he made a successful WAFL return a few weeks ago, and has now been rushed into the Dockers' do-or-die final to help fill the void left by Nat Fyfe (hamstring) and Matt Taberner (calf).
Webb, a former assistant coach at Fremantle, saw Amiss' talents up close while coaching WA's Under-19s side last year.
He has no doubt the No.8 pick from last year's national draft has what it takes to hold his own in a final.
"I had a fair bit to do with him last year. He's got good hands and a good set shot," Webb said after the Bulldogs' light training run at Optus Stadium on Friday.
"He gives you that capability to straighten you up and take a mark and kick a goal - hopefully not too many tomorrow.
"The only surprise (of him being selected) is that he's played limited football this year due to injury. But he's of high character and high quality. He's a first-round draft pick and a very capable player."
The Bulldogs are also putting their faith in a young gun - father-son pick Sam Darcy.
The 19-year-old has played just three games this year, but shown he's more than capable both in attack and defence.
The Dogs' decision to drop veteran forward Josh Bruce means Darcy will be asked to hold down a key post in attack against the Dockers.
"We don't expect him to be best on ground, but just to play his role," Webb said.
"His flexibility to play back and forward is a strong bonus. He's a level-headed player, he's a competitor. He's working hard on his game."
Bruce, who returned from a knee reconstruction in round 18, was dropped after booting just one goal in five games.
The Bulldogs will also be without clearance machine Tom Liberatore (hamstring) and veteran Taylor Duryea (personal reasons).
