Dogs recall young guns

Liam Jones and Christian Howard have been recalled by the Western Bulldogs ahead of their match against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Both impressed for the club's VFL affiliate, Williamstown, last week and have been selected in place of Patrick Veszpremi (dropped) and Daniel Pearce (hip).

Howard who has not played since the club's Round 1 loss to the West Coast Eagles will give the 'Dogs run and carry off the half-back line while Jones will add height to a forward line also containing Ayce Cordy and Jordan Roughead.

Port Adelaide have also made two changes to their side with Matt Thomas and Tom Logan drafted in for Alipate Carlile and Cameron Hitchcock.

Thomas was a late withdrawal from the club's 46-point loss to Hawthorn in Round 11 with a corked thigh, which came just a week after he was terrific in a big win over Carlton.

Logan had 26 disposals, eight clearances and kicked two goals for the Glenelg Tigers in the SANFL last weekend.

Carlile was dropped for 'failing to meet the club's fitness standards' while Hitchcock was only used as a late substitute against the Hawks.

In Sunday's other match, Hawthorn have included versatile defender Thomas Murphy for his first match of 2012.

Murphy who has played 89 matches in his eight years on the list comes in at the expense of Brendan Whitecross (hip) for the clash against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Sunday.