Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has dropped a selection bombshell ahead of his team’s huge clash with the GWS Giants on Saturday night.

Beveridge, who is not afraid to make wild calls at the selection table, has dumped the team’s key defender Liam Jones.

7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary confirmed the bombshell decision on Thursday.

The news comes as the GWS Giants welcomed back star forward and reigning Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan from a calf injury.

Hogan was sorely missed in the Giants’ low-scoring affair against Adelaide, with the Giants only kicking one goal in the opening half before losing by 18 points in wet conditions.

Last year the fiery Beveridge raised eyebrows when he dropped midfielder Jack Macrae, and clever defender Caleb Daniel.

Both those players (former All-Australians) left the club at the end of the season.

Fans were also up in arms when Beveridge decided to use dashing defender Bailey Dale as a sub in Round 5 last year.

After the backlash, Dale played the full game in Round 6, and was a clear best on ground with a whopping 39 disposals, 15 marks and a goal to his name.

198cm defender Jedd Busslinger has been named to make his AFL debut for the Bulldogs.

Busslinger was the No.13 draft pick in 2022, but had two shoulder reconstructions in his draft year.

He starred in the VFL on Sunday with 32 disposals and eight marks.

Fans were shocked when Cleary revealed the news about Jones on social media on Thursday.

“It seems brutal from Bevo,” one fan said.

“I’m confused,” another said.

Another fan pointed out Hogan’s recent record on debutants.

In the game against West Coast in Round 4, Hogan played on Eagles first-gamer Sandy Brock and had a day out with nine goals.