The changes
| Full back | M Adams | J Trengove | R Smith |
| Half back | D Morris | Z Cordy | J Johannisen |
| Centreline | H Crozier | M Bontempelli | L Hunter |
| Half forward | E Richards | J Schache | M Wallis |
| Full forward | L Dahlhaus | A Naughton | B Gowers |
| Followers | T Boyd | T McLean | J Dunkley |
| Interchange | S Biggs | P Lipinski | C Daniel |
| B Lynch | |||
| Emergencies | L Young | M Honeychurch | J Roughead |
| F Greene |
Read: Last time we met the Bulldogs
What to expect
The Western Bulldogs showed signs of their 2016 premiership form in their two-point win over Geelong last Friday night.
The Bulldogs’ win ended a five-game losing streak, as many of their key players stood up in an important victory for the club.
Despite sitting a lowly 14th on the ladder with just five wins for the year, the Dogs have still excelled in certain key areas of the game.
Luke Beveridge’s side rank fourth league-wide for uncontested possessions, fifth for disposals and third for marks inside 50.
Although, despite recording nearly 12 marks inside forward 50 per game, the Bulldogs have scored more points this season than just three opposition sides, averaging 72 points per game.
It is difficult to make an assessment of what to expect from the Dogs this Saturday night.
On the most part, their year has been a great disappointment as they have followed their premiership hangover in 2017 with an even worse run of form this season.
But their performance last week against the Cats suggested there’s still some fight in these Dogs yet.
Player to watch
With the injury to star on-baller Jack Macrae a fortnight ago, Lachie Hunter has stepped up in his absence, averaging 27 disposals over the past two weeks.
The 23-year old midfielder is enjoying arguably his best season yet, with career-highs in contested possessions (nine), tackles (2.9) and inside 50s (3.9).
Over his five games against the Hawks, Hunter has averaged a lowly 15.2 possessions per game, the lowest rate of any opposition side.
