1. The start

With almost three months between games, the start will be pivotal.
Which team will hit the ground running and capture the early momentum?
Shorter quarters will make every minute even more important, and the Bulldogs will be hoping they can get an advantage from the get-go.

2. Can the mids bounce back?

Senior coach Luke Beveridge described round one’s midfield battle against Collingwood this week as an “annihilation”.
And there’s no doubt the Bulldogs’ proud midfield group – including two of last year’s All Australians – will be desperate to bounce back.
Look to the skipper, Marcus Bontempelli, alongside fellow stars Jack Macrae and Josh Dunkley, to get stuck in around the ball to give the Bulldogs’ forwards more of a look against the Saints.

3. Jongy’s return

2020 has been a strange old year.
But here’s a huge positive – Lin Jong is back.
The much-loved Bulldog will make his long-awaited AFL return on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, 664 days since his last appearance in August 2018.
A pre-season hamstring injury ruled the tough midfielder out of round one, but he’s ready to roll now.

 4. Shift at the back

The Bulldogs’ back six will have a different feel this week, particularly in the key posts.
Last year, Easton Wood and Zaine Cordy played every game – often taking two of the opposition’s most dangerous tall targets.
But neither will be there this week, with Wood injured and Cordy omitted.
Off-season recruit Alex Keath will be joined by Ryan Gardner in the key posts, with Lewis Young also making way as the Dogs opt for a shorter line-up in round two.
The Saints will have a few tall targets to contend with, with Paddy Ryder, Max King and Tim Membrey named to start forward.