Etihad Stadium, Friday, March 1, 7.40pm
MISSING
Western Bulldogs: Adam Cooney, Jarrad Grant, Shaun Higgins, Tom Williams.
Hawthorn: Max Bailey, Grant Birchall, Shaun Burgoyne, Xavier Ellis, Luke Hodge, Brian Lake, Michael Osborne, Paul Puopolo, Cyril Rioli, Liam Shiels, Brendan Whitecross.
LAST WEEK
Western Bulldogs: Despite naming a near full-strength line-up, the Dogs went winless against Essendon and Collingwood on the opening night of the NAB Cup. They were strong in contested possession – winning the stat in both matches – but struggled to convert that to forward 50 entries. The sight of a healthy Adam Cooney, plagued by knee problems in recent seasons, was one positive, as was the comeback of defender Dale Morris from a broken leg.
Hawthorn: The Hawks also failed to register a victory, going down to Gold Coast by a point before being comfortably beaten by the Brisbane Lions. Alastair Clarkson's team was without its entire starting midfield, which didn't help the cause in slippery conditions. Cyril Rioli's rolled ankle and a knee injury to Paul Puopolo further soured the trip north.
WHAT THEY SAY
Western Bulldogs: "Last week was just a bit of a warm-up for us. If we can get some of the rust out of our bodies, especially with our kicking efficiency, then hopefully we'll be a bit better this week." - Luke Dahlhaus on Monday.
Hawthorn: "We'll get five or six players back into our side next week who didn't play tonight. Sam Mitchell and Brad Sewell both had study commitments this week, so that's why they didn't travel. They'll both play next week." - Clarkson on Saturday night.
WE SAY
Western Bulldogs: Plain and simple, the Bulldogs need a NAB Cup win more than most. The club has not tasted victory since June 17 last year, and its fans are desperate to see something that will inspire hope for the coming season. That said, despite the list of Hawthorn stars set to watch from the sidelines, this looks a daunting task.
Hawthorn: Much interest here would have been in recruit Brian Lake's first appearance against his former team. But the veteran full-back has been ruled out with a calf problem, meaning that showdown will have to wait until round 17 of the season proper. Beyond that, the Hawks should handle the ball better in the dry Etihad Stadium conditions than they did at slippery Metricon Stadium, giving Clarkson a clearer picture of how the summer's plans are being executed.
