HAWTHORN midfielder Shane Savage will play his 50^th AFL match for the Hawks if selected for Saturday’s match against Western Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium.

The New Zealand born midfielder has been in and out of the Hawthorn side this season, but has proved his worth in recent weeks as a tough, goal kicking midfielder.

He played the opening five matches this season before being omitted for the Round 6 clash against Adelaide, not to reappear until Round 13.

Savage was knocking the door down at Box Hill, with strong performances in the VFL, regularly named in the team’s best and has continued that form at AFL level in his four games since being recalled by Coach, Alastair Clarkson.

The Hawks see a real future for the midfielder, having signed him until the end of 2015 last season.

He was selected by Hawthorn with pick 75 of the 2008 AFL Draft and made his AFL debut in Round 20, 2009 and earned a Rising Star nomination in Round 8, 2011.