WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says there is a chance his young side could be a little flat after its stirring win over the Sydney Swans last weekend.
The Bulldogs will go in favourites for the first time in 2015 and that, coupled with the tough slog against the Swans, has Beveridge on high alert for Saturday's clash against St Kilda.
"Yeah, there probably is (a chance of a letdown), so our challenge is to maintain our intensity and our energy," Beveridge said.
"So it's crucial we go in with the right mindset against the Saints, who were impressive against the Bombers last week.
"We've got to expect that they'll bring [their best] and that will hopefully help us stay on edge."
But one man who won't be at risk of a letdown is recalled midfielder Lachie Hunter.
The gifted 20-year-old will play his first senior game for the season after an off-season marred by indiscretions.
"It's been a learning curve for young Lachie over recent times," Beveridge said.
"It's got nothing to do with really what happened over the pre-season and why he's been playing VFL in recent times. It's more his teammates have been keeping him out of the side, so it's great he's forced his way back in."
Hunter will be joined in the midfield by fellow inclusion Brett Goodes. The duo will be asked to help cover the void left in the midfield by the hand injury to Ling Jong.
"Goodesy will need to step in there and we'll need to share the load through some of our smaller mids," Beveridge said.
"Nathan Hrovat, Mitch Honeychurch and Luke Dahlhaus have been doing an enormous job in there for us and cover what 'Jongy' has been giving us which as been quiet exceptional."
Beveridge also said veteran Matthew Boyd could have faced the Saints, but the club is taking a cautious approach after the 32-year-old pulled up with hamstring tightness following the win over the Swans.