The Western Bulldogs present the Cats with their third consecutive top-four match up this Saturday night and Geelong will be looking to ensure it’s a perfect three week block with another crucial win.

We know Tom Hawkins will be back from suspension to compliment a forward line which functioned impressively against North Melbourne, but how will the Dogs look?

The Bulldogs will be forced to make at least one change with midfielder-forward Luke Dahlhaus out for a month or more with a knee injury. The talented playmaker was injured in the first quarter of the Dogs’ round 12 win over Port Adelaide and is likely to be replaced by Lin Jong who has been unlucky not to cement himself in the senior side already.

Jong amassed 32 disposals, three marks, four tackles and kicked two goals against the VFL Cats in a performance that should ensure he lines up against Geelong for the second week in a row.

Lukas Webb may also come under consideration to replace Dahlhaus. The 20-year-old is generally considered more of a running defender but has the attributes to fill the role if called upon and gathered 21 disposals and six tackles last week in the VFL.

After three knee reconstructions, a best on ground performance was above and beyond what was expected of Clay Smith in his first game back. The 23-year-old had 36 disposals, seven marks, seven tackles and six inside 50s to show he certainly has something to offer to Luke Beveridge’s side, but will need one or two more similar showings at VFL level before he is considered for top flight football.

Marcus Adams missed last week against Port Adelaide due to illness but has been a cornerstone of the Bulldogs defence this season and would be a fair chance to take his spot once more. Unfortunately someone will need to miss out and the player most likely in the gun is Joel Hamling; despite the former Cat playing well against the Power.

With two potential changes, here is how the Western Bulldogs are predicted to line up against the Cats on in round 13:

OUT: L.Dahlhaus, J.Hamling

IN: L.Jong, M.Adams