SO FAR THIS YEAR:

Depsite a rotten run with injury, the Bulldogs have emerged as a serious contender in this year's final race. While they didn't have their strongest victory over the Pies last week, they are sure to come out all guns blazing against the Bombers this Sunday. The omission of key forward Jake Stringer is great news for Dons' fans.

THE TEAM:

B: Biggs, Roberts, Wood

HB: Johannisen, Hamling, Boyd

C: Hunter, Bontempelli, Picken

HF: Jong, Cordy, Smith

F: Dickson, Boyd, Daniel

FOL: Roughead, Dahlhaus, Dunkley

IC: Hrovat, McLean, Webb, Smith

Em: Stringer, Stevens, Minson

In: McLean, Smith

Out: Suckling (Achilles), Stringer (Omitted)

THE NUMBERS:

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Lachie Hunter:

Another one of the Bulldogs' extremely talented young midfield group, Hunter has been a consistent performer throughout 2016. His work on the outside of the contest helps his team transition quickly from defence to attack. Hunter finds plenty of the footy and is averaging 29.1 disposals per-game. He also tops the list for uncontested possessions, averaging 20.8 per game. 

Caleb Daniel:

The small midfielder's impact on the ground cannot be underestimated. Quick around the contest, and not afraid to get his hands dirty at the bottom of the pack, Daniel is frequently used as a link up player on the wing. More often than not, he will find space and deliver the ball with great accuracy into the Dogs' forward line. 

Marcus Bontempelli:

A player that needs very little introduction, Bontempelli has continued his dominant ways in 2016. His height, speed, versatility and football smarts make him the most dangerous player on the Bulldogs' list. The Bombers will have to pay attention to him at every contest to ensure that he is forced to work hard and earn the ball.