Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says there is a chance Marcus Bontempelli could spend more time forward against the Hawks this weekend.
The star midfielder was tagged in the 55-point win over Richmond, prompting the coach to send him forward as a way to amplify his impact.
Bontempelli finished the game with 32 touches, nine tackles, 10 clearances and three goals - proving it was a successful move.
Beveridge said it’s likely Bontempelli will have a similar split of midfield and forward minutes on Sunday, depending on whether the Hawks decide to tag him again.
“Marcus’ role and the way he plays – sometimes he will be stationed forward of a stoppage. Not often, but it did happen a little bit last week,” the coach told media on Thursday morning.
“What generally will happen too is that there aren’t many 6’4, speed-endurance, powerful, aerial and ground taggers who can go with Marcus. He’ll challenge them forward.
“At the same time, you see his tackling stats, you see him get behind the ball as a layer for us – he’ll try and do it all again as he always does, but you’ll find him forward of the footy at different times this Sunday no doubt.
“(Finn Maginness) has had some influential outings and quelling the influence of some marquee midfielders. Over recent history playing the Hawks it’s mostly been Conor Nash who’s played that role (on Bontempelli), so we’ll be expecting someone to do it.
“If (Maginness) is picked, you’d expect he’s got a negating role on someone.”
Alex Keath is expected to return to availability after suffering a concussion against GWS a fortnight ago, in what would be a welcome boost to the Dogs’ defensive stocks.
Having already faced Hawthorn once this season, Beveridge is under no illusions it will be an easy win over the 16th placed side.
“They were impressive (against Collingwood) and have had a lot of press about their productivity over the course of the year,” Beveridge said.
“They’ve challenged and beaten some of the best, and some of the better sides at the top of the ladder.
“We know what we’re coming up against. If you got a handle on the last time we played them – that game was in the balance for a long time. Their midfield was impressive and influential.
“It took us a fair while to arrest some momentum back our way and then ultimately come over the top, so we won’t be taking anything easy this week that’s for sure.”
The Bulldogs-Hawks will do battle from 1.10pm on Sunday afternoon at UTAS Stadium in Launceston.
