FORMER Hawk Matthew Suckling will take on his ex-premiership team mates when the Hawks come up against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs are widely regarded as the form side of the competition right now, after dominating their first two games of the season against Fremantle and St Kilda.

Combining a mix of foot speed and great ball use, no one would deny that the Western Bulldogs are an exciting team to watch.

What to expect

Isaac Smith said during the week that the Bulldogs are the league’s form team, and not many people would disagree with him.

The Bulldogs surprised just about everyone in Round 1 with the way that they dismantled the Dockers at Etihad Stadium.

It was their first quarter that blew Fremantle away, as the Bulldogs kicked seven goals to none in the opening term.

They opened St Kilda up in a similar fashion in the opening half last week to develop a comfortable lead on their way to their second victory, and Hawthorn’s defenders which stood up brilliantly last week against West Coast will need to be right on their game to prevent the Bulldogs doing the same again.

The Dogs love playing on Etihad Stadium where they can play quick, aggressive footy, allowing their dynamic forwards to do their best work in the front half of the ground.

Playing under the roof at Docklands also allows their half backs such as Robert Murphy, Matthew Boyd and Jason Johannisen to run and carry the ball and deliver with precision.

Players to watch

Jason Johannisen has started the 2016 season in red hot form, collecting 35 disposals and a goal against Fremantle and 27 touches and a goal against the Saints.

The Hawks will have to keep a very close eye on him on Saturday, as he has set up a number of the Bulldogs attacking plays over the first two weeks of the season.

Changes

The Bulldogs have made one change to their 22 for Sunday's match.

First-year Bulldog Josh Dunkley has been replaced in the side by fellow midfielder Lin Jong.