What to expect
After being comfortably beaten in both their AFLX hit-outs, the Bulldogs will be hoping to notch a win of some kind this pre-season.
Adjusting to life minus Jake Stringer up forward and set to be without Dale Morris down back due to an ACL injury, the Dogs will be looking to find their ideal set-up at both ends of the ground.
With the recruitment of former Lion Josh Schache, the Dogs could be set to experiment with a tall forward line using the likes of Jack Redpath, Tom Boyd and Schache alongside each other, while versatile new Dog Jackson Trengove could fill a role down back.
Look for former Docker Hayden Crozier to also slot in across half back as they look to bring the ball out of defence with speed and precision.
Read: Which Hawthorn players are in the mix for JLT1?
Players to watch
Tom Liberatore seems to have put a disappointing 2017 behind him with a blistering pre-season this summer.
The hard and tough midfielder starred in the Bulldogs’ recent intraclub hit-out and could be set to cause the Hawks some headaches through the middle of the ground at Mars Stadium on Saturday.
After averaging just 17.22 disposals last year, Liberatore will be searching for a return to his ball-winning best.
The Hawks will also have to keep a close eye on Jason Johannisen with the Norm Smith medallist another premiership Bulldog hoping for an improved 2018.
After an up-and-down season last year, Johannisen may be set for more time up forward after spending plenty of time in the attacking half of the ground in the side’s intraclub match, kicking three goals.
Draftee Aaron Naughton is another new face likely to feature prominently against the Hawks.
The 195cm West Australian impressed in the Dogs’ AFLX games and, after being taken with Pick 9 in last year’s draft, could be set to fill the hole left by Morris.
The Hawks and Bulldogs' final JLT1 teams will be released at 4pm Thursday at hawthornfc.com.au.
For tickets to the JLT Community Series ticket information, click here.
