Courageous midfielder Matthew Boyd beat the odds to rise from rookie-lister to Western Bulldogs captain and his side hopes to do likewise to mark his 200th AFL game, against Hawthorn on Sunday.
On form, it is a no-contest.
The Hawks have won their past five matches by an average of 88 points.
Over the same period, the Dogs have lost four games by an average of 68 points, with a win over Port Adelaide in between.
But half-forward Shaun Higgins says the Bulldogs won’t lack inspiration.
“Milestone games are massive, especially when it’s your captain,” Higgins told AAP this week.
“Without making too much of a fuss about it, you definitely want to go out there and get a win.
“We’ll recognise it probably at our training session on Saturday and also touch on it before the game.
“But you just hope that we put in a good performance.
“Wouldn’t it be great to celebrate what he’s been able to do as captain and also just coming off the rookie list.
“Obviously the chips have been down with us this year and he’s one constant that’s put in good performances week in, week out.”
While the Hawks deserve their heavy favouritism, there are a few rays of light for the Bulldogs.
Hawthorn star forward Lance Franklin is missing with a hamstring injury.
The Bulldogs have welcomed back experienced backmen Tom Williams, Robert Murphy and Ryan Hargrave.
And Higgins said there were signs of improvement in their latest loss, by 38 points to Fremantle in Perth last round.
“Defensively we were a lot better, we were poor defensively for the three (previous) losses and in today’s footy you can’t allow teams that sort of space.”
Higgins acknowledged that was particularly true against the Hawks, whose ability to hurt their opposition by finding teammates in space with accurate kicks is as good as any.
But the Dogs are up for the challenge.
“It’s not daunting at all,” Higgins said.
“You look at it as a really good opportunity to see where you’re at.”
Shaun Burgoyne and Brad Sewell will return from injury for the Hawks, who will climb into the top four if they win, while forward Jarryd Roughead will play his 150th AFL game.
