If you need any more convincing about how close a unit this Western Bulldogs team is, the injured Lin Jong’s text of support to his replacement, Toby McLean, might do it.

A heartbroken Jong was caught on Channel Seven’s cameras in the hands of trainers after breaking his collarbone during the Club’s elimination final against the Eagles at Domain Stadium a week ago.

But seven days later and confined to the sidelines, Jong's text to his young teammate the night before Friday night’s semi-final was an act of a true team man, and typical of the bond this group of players share with one another.

“He messaged me [on Thursday night]… just wishing me all the best”, McLean told The Age.

“Obviously it’s upsetting for Lin, but he was happy for me.”

McLean got his opportunity after spending time in the VFL late in the season, something he said helped him piece together a strong performance against the Hawks.

“I last played in round 22 against Essendon.  Then I was just told to go back and work on a few defensive things.  I thought I did that,” he said.

“I was pretty fresh coming in and then just to come in and play my role, bring  the ball to the ground, [and] put some pressure on.”

The Western Bulldogs rooms were as full as you’ll ever see them on Thursday night post-match but the wide smiles on the faces of injured Dogs like Bob Murphy, Mitch Wallis, Jack Redpath and Lin Jong told a story of their own.