The changes

The Western Bulldogs will be forced into at least one change ahead of tomorrow night’s semi final clash with Hawthorn at the MCG, after Lin Jong broke his collarbone in the Dogs’ win over West Coast last week.

Toby McLean, Lucas Webb and Rourke Smith were all pulled out of Footscray’s VFL semi final against Essendon on Sunday, allowing the Dogs to keep their options open for Jong’s replacement.

Both teams will finalise their teams at 6.25pm AEST tonight.

What to expect

The Bulldogs have been a great team to watch in 2016, playing with plenty of spirit and unity despite the crippling injuries they have had to deal with.

They opted to play small in their back half last week against West Coast and it paid dividends, as the Dogs were too quick across the expanses of Domain Stadium for their more fancied opponents.

Their midfield brigade was led by Caleb Daniel and Luke Dahlhaus, who combined for 62 disposals, eight clearances, 11 inside 50s and two goals between them.

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Marcus Bontempelli was well held by Eagle Mark Hutchings for most of the night, but was sent forward with terrific effect, finishing with two important goals.

The knock on the Dogs in 2016 has been their ability to score, and the stats reflect that – they rank 10th in the competition for average goals per game (12.1 goals per game), while the Hawks rank sixth with an average of 14.1.

Whichever side can find targets inside 50 and make the most of their chances will go a long way to securing a preliminary final spot.

Players to watch

Matthew Boyd is proving age is just a number in 2016, and continued his terrific season with a 26-disposal display against the Eagles last week.

Boyd sets the Bulldogs up with his exceptional kicking skills off half back, so he will need to be paid close attention.

Lachie Hunter emerging as one of the midfield stars of the future and also found plenty of the ball against West Coast with 26 touches – his ability to get the ball in hand will need to be curtailed by the Hawthorn midfield tomorrow night.