Western Bulldogs youngsters are keen to replace skipper Matthew Boyd Brendan McCartney is excited about his midfield depth. VETERAN Bob Murphy will lead the Western Bulldogs into their season opener against Brisbane on Saturday. But far from bemoaning the loss of captain Matthew Boyd to a calf injury that will sideline him for up to three weeks, coach Brendan McCartney said there plenty of young pups ``itching" for their shot in his stead. "When we told (the team) that Boydy wouldn't be playing, there were a lot of eyes in the room that lit up with (thought of) an opportunity," McCartney said at Whitten Oval today as he praised his club's newfound midfield depth. The game's not waiting for Matthew, or injured players, so someone else gets a chance. The one thing we wanted to do at the end of last year was not just slowly increase our midfield depth, but do it quite quickly. Not many of those who went off our list could play midfield to the level we wanted. But all of the people we brought in bar one are equipped to play through the midfield in the AFL (and) that gives us a lot more depth. Don't underestimate young people - you give them a chance and they have a habit of taking it. That "non midfielder" is also impressing, with backman Tom Young a chance to make his Dogs debut after nine games with the Magpies. McCartney said three of Young and the club's other mature-age recruits - Brett Goodes, Nick Lower and Koby Stevens - would play after impressing in the NAB Cup. The Dogs remain hopeful Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney will line up at Etihad Stadium, despite spending time in hospital last week with a knee infection. McCartney said Cooney had "kept his condition" and would play if he trains well on Friday. He understands he has a role to play here and we know he may not be able to play every week. Some weeks he may not be the player he was, but he's still really important in our overall team. Tom Williams will rejoin full training next week with an eye to a Round 2 or 3 resumption, while Shaun Higgins is raring to go after being best afield in a Williamstown intra-club practice match at the weekend. We held him back (from AFL action) last week ... he'll definitely play. He's had a terrific summer, his best preparation in 2-3 years. Meanwhile, the Dogs will not have to contend with Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne in Round 2 after the goalsneak today accepted his one-match suspension.