WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says shutting down Hawthorn's dangerous small forwards in Friday night's semi-final will be crucial.

In the absence of Jarryd Roughead, the Dogs' renowned team defence will have its hands full curtailing a pint-sized attack containing Cyril Rioli (46 goals), Luke Breust (46) and Paul Puopolo (33).

Medium-sized forwards Jack Gunston (50) and James Sicily (29) will also pose a considerable problem.

"The Hawthorn small forwards have been incredibly dangerous and they provide a significant aerial and ground threat," Beveridge told reporters on Thursday.

"We'll need to put enough pressure on the ball and give our defenders a chance to win it back really quickly.

"A bigger and wider ground and being able to defend the extremities of the MCG is always a big challenge.

"That will have a big say on the outcome." 

While he refused to be drawn into who will replace injured midfielder Lin Jong, Beveridge did concede he was unlikely to make more than one change.

Forward Toby McLean, midfielder Lukas Webb and running defender Roarke Smith were left out of the VFL on the weekend and the trio is believed to be vying for that one spot.

The Dogs are ranked No.1 for contested and uncontested possession this season, but Beveridge doesn't believe the result will hinge on whether his side can match Hawthorn's celebrated kicking game.

"I don't think we're poles apart (in skills)," Beveridge said.

"If you looked at the whole year Hawthorn were way ahead of us, but we were better with our skills last week.

"Finals are normally won with the intensity, the grunt, the appetite for the contest and the courage side of it.

"I know both teams will bring, but hopefully it's us that come out on top."

And Beveridge is not concerned his young side will wilt if the Hawks attack them physically like they have regularly done to challengers in the past.

"Our guys encouragingly have been able to stand up against that, but this another big final and if we confront that, well that's our test," Beveridge said.

"We need to stand up and be counted and play our best footy.

"You can't get carried away and be undisciplined."