The Western Bulldogs have made two changes to their line up to take on Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.

Sam Darley will come in to the line up for his first match of 2015, after being recruited to the Club from GWS at the start of the 2014 season, while Lin Jong returns for his first senior match since round 10.

Darley has averaged 24 disposals for Footscray this season and Western Bulldogs assistant coach Rohan Smith said the 22-year-old’s attributes would be a welcome inclusion to face the Power.

“He’s been in great VFL form Sam, so we need to reward that.

“He’s been playing a few different roles, wing, half-back so he’s got great ball use, he’s got a beautiful kick.

“Someone at Etihad to come in and use his pace and use his ball-winning ability is great for us, so that’s what we’ll expect from him.”

Jong returns after recapturing his early-season form in the VFL in recent weeks.

The midfielder picked up 23 disposals for Footscray last weekend and the Bulldogs hope his explosiveness will hold them in good stead against the Power.

The last time Jong played, the Bulldogs went down to Port in round 10 by 38 points, but Smith said the Bulldogs will take learnings from that match.

“They’re a great team, there’s no doubt they’ve had some difficulties this year but they look like they’re getting their speed and power back and the way they want to play.

“Last week they played some really good footy, we’re expecting a really tough tussle at Etihad.”

With both Port and the Bulldogs in the top six in the league for tackles, the match is expected to be a high-pressure encounter.

Smith said that his side would focus on moving the ball quickly to combat the Power pressure, something his side have done consistently this season.

“We’ve got to try and move the ball really quickly and obviously maintain possession, if we give the footy back to them, then they’re pretty strong.

“But obviously the way that they tackle, we need to be strong in that contest, whether we need to take the tackle and handball off and find a target, and that’s what we’ve been doing and concentrating on all year, we’ve just got to concentrate on our style and we’ll get the points.”

Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy and young defender Josh Prudden, both with general soreness, make way for Darley and Jong, while Nathan Hrovat, Tom Boyd and Joel Hamling have been named as emergencies.

Midfielder Jack Macrae will play his 50th game for the Club on Saturday afternoon.

TEAMS NEWS: Click to view Port Adelaide's line-up for Saturday's match at Etihad Stadium.

ROUND 19 – Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide
Saturday 8 August, 2:10pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium

In: S Darley, L Jong

Out: R Murphy (general soreness), J Prudden (general soreness)

Milestone: J Macrae (50 games)