1. The midfield mix

Last year, the Western Bulldogs had the luxury of star-studded midfielders Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Josh Dunkley and Lachie Hunter playing every game.
This week, they’ll be without two – with the injured Dunkley joining Hunter on the sidelines.
Sydney’s midfield, led by milestone man Josh Kennedy and the ultra-consistent Luke Parker, will present a tough challenge.
And how the Bulldogs adapt to life without Dunkley and Hunter will be critical.
All Australian on-baller Jack Macrae has spent time on the ball and on a wing in 2020, while the likes of Tom Liberatore, Mitch Wallis and the returning Pat Lipinski could be set for bigger midfield roles this week.

16:19

Luke Beveridge | 'Sydney were impressive last week'

Hear from Luke Beveridge in the lead up to the Round 4 clash against Sydney Swans at the SCG on Thursday.

2. The English game

After a tough start to 2020 against some of the best in the business, emerging ruckman Tim English found his feet against the GWS Giants.
And he’ll be hoping to carry that momentum with him up to Sydney.
Similar to a fortnight ago against St Kilda, the 22-year-old will need to contend with a multi-ruck set-up at the SCG.
The Swans have recalled Sam Naismith to partner Callum Sinclair, with Hayden McLean also available to step in.
It looms as another big challenge for English, who the Bulldogs hope will have a big impact around the ground.

04:42

Match Committee | Round 4

Thanks to PEDIGREE, Jack Heverin is joined by former Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy to preview Thursday night's match against Sydney, and discuss team selection.

3. The Butler, the SCG and the footy

No, that’s not a Cluedo accusation.
It’s our third AFL debutant for 2020.
Louis Butler will follow in the footsteps of fellow debutants Ben Cavarra and Laitham Vandermeer when he pulls on the red, white and blue for the first time on Thursday night.
Selected by the Bulldogs with pick 53 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, the 18-year-old is a half-back flanker known for his foot skills and decision-making.
Here’s hoping our Butler can deliver the forwards some… silver service. 

01:24

Louis Butler | 'A dream come true'

Hear from Louis Butler following the news he will make his debut against the Sydney Swans on Thursday night at the SCG.

4. The small forwards

It’s a different challenge for the Dogs’ defence to deal with this week.
The Giants went in with a three-pronged tall forward attack last week – Jeremy Cameron, Harry Himmelberg and Jeremy Finlayson – and Alex Keath, Zaine Cordy and co. proved they were up to the task.
But their cross-town rivals have a very different set-up.
Without the injured Lance Franklin, Sam Reid and Tom McCartin, the Swans look set to utilize McLean and a resting ruckman as their tall forwards.
And it’s a very dynamic mix around them. Rising star Isaac Heeney and goal-sneak Tom Papley headline a group of dangerous smaller players – alongside the likes of Nick Blakey, Will Hayward and Lewis Taylor – the Bulldogs will need to keep a tight leash on.