Bailey Smith will bolster an in-form midfield for the Bulldogs clash against Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.

The 22-year-old returns in place of veteran Tom Liberatore, who will miss the fixture after sustaining concussion last Friday night.

Lachlan McNeil comes into the starting 22 after being activated as the sub against Fremantle, with Toby McLean omitted.

14:22

Marcus Bontempelli | 'Lucky to be part of such a privileged space'

The Skipper talks to the media ahead of his 200th AFL game.

The fixture will mark game 200 for Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli, an exciting milestone for one of the best Bulldogs to grace the field.

Bontempelli is a premiership player, has claimed four All Australian jackets and four Charles Sutton medals across his 199-game career.

The four emergencies are Rhylee West, Buku Khamis, Toby McLean and Sam Darcy, with one to be confirmed as this week’s substitute an hour before the first bounce.

The game will begin at 4.35pm AEST on Saturday and be broadcast live via Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.

Be there for Bont’s 200th this weekend. Purchase your tickets today!

06:12

Before the Bounce | Round 7

Join Brad Johnson & John Donohoe as they preview Saturday's clash with the Hawks.

ROUND 7 TEAM

Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn
Saturday 29 April, 4.35pm AEST
Marvel Stadium

B: Taylor Duryea,  Liam Jones, Tim O’Brien
HB: Bailey Dale, Alex Keath, Ed Richards
C: Oskar Baker, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Williams
HF: Bailey Smith, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Cody Weightman
F: Arthur Jones, Aaron Naughton, Rory Lobb
R: Tim English, Jack Macrae, Adam Treloar
Int: Jason Johannisen, Caleb Daniel, Anthony Scott, Lachlan McNeil
Emerg: Buku Khamis, Rhylee West, Toby McLean, Sam Darcy

IN: Bailey Smith
OUT: Toby McLean (omitted), Tom Liberatore (concussion)