1. Reinforcements at the right time

Seeing Josh Bruce go down in the dying seconds last week caused alarm bells among some.

Who replaces him? How does the forward line work without him? What will the Dogs do?

But have no fear – reinforcements are here.

Small forward Cody Weightman, utility Mitch Hannan and speedster Laith Vandermeer are back.

And at the other end of the ground, you’ll see key defensive post Alex Keath and versatile ruck-defender Lewis Young.

2. Ball-magnet match-up

Two of the competition’s elite ball-winners will go head-to-head on Saturday.

Jack Macrae vs Tom Mitchell.

After notching up a record 15 consecutive games of at least 30 disposals, Macrae is averaging 34.1 touches at 76.5% efficiency this season.

He’s only dipped under 30 possessions once this year – registering 25 against Sydney – and has collected 40 or more on three separate occasions. 

Mitchell is coming off an equal season-high 44 touches against Collingwood last week, averaging 34.6 disposals at 74.7% efficiency.

He’s recorded 40 possessions or more in four games.

We can’t wait to see who comes out on top.

04:48

Match Committee | Round 22

Watch as Sam Hargreaves and Matt Rendell preview the Round 22 clash with Hawthorn.

3. Interstate record

If the Bulldogs’ interstate record this season is anything to go by, they shouldn’t be too concerned about leaving Victoria.

From five interstate games – two in Perth, one on the Gold Coast, one in Adelaide and one in Canberra – the Bulldogs are yet to suffer a loss.

And if they can get up over the Hawks on Saturday in Launceston, they’ll finish the home-and-away season undefeated outside of Victoria.

Their record in Tasmania does need some work though, having won just one of their five outings.

00:57

Quickfire | What skill would you clone?

In the latest instalment of Dogs Quickfire, the boys are asked what skill they would clone from a teammate.

4. Top two target

A win on Saturday would go a long way in helping the Bulldogs consolidate a top two spot on the ladder.

Despite slipping to Essendon last week – and relinquishing first place in the process – the Dogs remain in a strong position to secure a spot in the coveted top two.

As it stands, Melbourne leads the way just two premiership points clear in first, while Geelong and Port Adelaide are right on the Bulldogs’ tails with 60 points apiece.

Don’t write off the Hawks though. They have knocked off Collingwood and Brisbane the past fortnight, with a draw to Melbourne also featuring in their last month of footy.

It will be another big test for the Bulldogs.