It’s a question that’s been asked of more than a few Western Bulldogs players and coaches this week – will Hawks star Sam Mitchell be tagged when the two side clash at Etihad Stadium on Sunday?

Former players, opposition coaches and media pundits, they’ve all weighed in on the debate as to how best to curb the Hawks’ champion number five.

According to Champion Data, Mitchell has only been tagged seven times since the Hawks’ Qualifying Final win against Sydney in 2013, and has averaged 35 disposals, six clearances and eight score involvements over his last seven games.

Speaking with westernbulldogs.com.au on Thursday afternoon, assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa said that while the Dogs are likely to back their team defence in, coaches do need to maintain flexibility in the box during a game.

“Since Luke’s (Beveridge) come to the footy club we haven’t tended to go down that (tagging) path, but we’re constantly watching in the box, if a guy gets off the chain you’ve got to sum it up and make a decision," he said.

“Are they getting on top of us? Are they in control of the game?

"If they are, you’ve probably got to do something about it. 

“If they’re not, we trust that our team defence will get the job done and we’ll get the ball going our way.”

Even in the absence of Luke Hodge and Jared Roughead, the Hawks have potential match winners everywhere, Josh Gibson’s 44-disposal best on ground performance against West Coast a case in point, and Giansiracusa said the Dogs will need to be at their best to take down the reigning premiers.

“We all went and watched them as coaches against West Coast and they were back to their best for sure,” he said.

“They’re the benchmark, they’re the champs, and it’s something we’re really excited about. 

“We’ve had challenges already this year but they’re probably the biggest test.”