The Western Bulldogs have named a 26-man squad to face Hawthorn in a crucial clash at UTAS Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Big man Josh Bruce returns to the line-up after being managed through his return to the AFL ranks over the past month.

11:00

Luke Beveridge | 'The best way to prepare is to focus on our challenge'

Luke Beveridge speaks to the media ahead of the Round 23 match against Hawthorn.

Former Hawk Tim O’Brien has been named on an extended bench, joined by veteran Taylor Duryea and Robbie McComb.

Duryea comes into calculations after recovering from a knee injury, playing the last fortnight in the VFL.

Lachlan McNeil has been omitted.

The Bulldogs must defeat Hawthorn and rely on Carlton to lose on Sunday to make the eight and make finals.

04:27

Match Committee | Round 23

Join Julian De Stoop & Matthew Cox as they preview our final home and away game against the Hawks in Tasmania.

A final 22 will be announced on Friday at 5pm.

One of four emergencies will be confirmed as this week’s medical substitute an hour before the first bounce.

Fox Footy will broadcast the game live.  

ROUND 23 TEAM 
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 21 August, 1.10pm AEST
UTAS

B: Ed Richards, Ryan Gardner, Zaine Cordy
HB: Caleb Daniel, Sam Darcy, Bailey Dale
C: Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith
HF: Laitham Vandermeer, Aaron Naughton, Josh Dunkley 
F: Cody Weightman, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Josh Bruce
R: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar
Int: Taylor Duryea, Lachie Hunter, Stefan Martin, Robbie McComb, Tim O’Brien, Bailey Williams, Roarke Smith, Rhylee West

In: Josh Bruce, Taylor Duryea, Tim O’Brien, Robbie McComb
Out: Lachlan McNeil (omitted)