Four strong VFL performers have been included on the Bulldogs extended bench ahead of Sunday’s clash at Etihad Stadium, with Jason Johannisen (calf) the only confirmed change.

Daniel Giansiracusa, Mitch Honeychurch, Easton Wood and Jack Redpath are all in contention to return to the senior side after being named amongst the best for Footscray in recent weeks.

FINAL SQUADS: View the full Bulldogs and St Kilda squads ahead of Sunday's clash at Etihad Stadium.

The experience of Giansiracusa and Wood shone through in the Bulldogs 131-point win against Bendigo gold last week, with the veteran forward collecting a game-high 27 possessions.

Wood was equally influential providing run out of the back half, amassing 23 touches and nine marks in his first game back at VFL level for the season.

Bulldogs 2013 recruit Honeychurch was a solid contributor against Bendigo with 21 touches and a goal, showing his craft as a defensive forward as well as rotating through the midfield when required. 

Redpath also provided a strong forward target against an undersized Bendigo defence, kicking two goals and taking six marks.

Pacey defender Johannisen is the only confirmed out from the Bulldogs side that faced the Hawks last Sunday, withdrawn with a calf complaint.

Assistant Coach Rohan Smith said the Bulldogs would not disrespect their opponents this week, despite their ladder position and expects a determined opponent.

“We don’t take any team lightly, I think we are fourteenth as well… two weeks ago they obliterated Freo who we hold in high regard,” Smith said.

“They are not going to be easy beats I can tell you right now, so we need to be right on our game this week.

“They are good around the football and they do switch the ball really well out of their backline, they keep the ball off their opposition and they have hard working forwards.

“We have no illusions that we have to be really good around the contest and we have to make sure we win our fair share of contested footy and the ball is going our way not their way.”

ROUND 20 - St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs
Sunday 10 August 2014, 3:20pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium