VFL minor premiers Footscray Bulldogs will welcome back emerging duo Jordan Croft and Jedd Busslinger to the line-up for Saturday's preliminary final against the Box Hill Hawks, while Luke Breust will make his return.
The much-awaited contest between the two AFL-affiliate clubs will take place at Mission Whitten Oval at 2:10 pm (AEST), with a spot in the grand final up for grabs.
The Bulldogs have been faultless on their way to the top spot on the ladder, and earned the week off after dismantling the Frankston Dolphins in week one of the finals.
However, the Hawks were stunned by a travelling Southport Sharks in the fellow qualifying final, and if it wasn't for some after-the-siren heroics from Bodie Ryan against Brisbane last week, their season would be finished.
The inclusion of Croft and Busslinger immediately improves the Bulldogs' tall stocks, adding some supreme talent on both ends of the field.
They replace Taylor Duryea (suspension), who will be eligible if the club makes it to the decider, as well as the unlucky Luca Muratore, who has played 11 games this year, including the final against the Dolphins.
The Hawks will miss Mitch Lewis in the front half as he was recalled to the senior line-up following Calsher Dear's absence through injury.
It will be filled by Breust as well as captain Callum Porter, who will face his former side on Saturday. Porter spent three years at the Bulldogs, playing one AFL match and 33 VFL games.
Breust announced his retirement from AFL football, and could potentially play his last senior game this weekend, depending on the results.
As for the other preliminary final between the Sharks and Dolphins, the battle of the seas, the former has made no change to the side that defeated the Hawks a fortnight ago.
Whereas the Dolphins have welcomed back Noah Gown to the team at the expense of Angus Grant.
Phoenix Spicer (Footscray Bulldogs) and Seb Quirk (Frankston Dolphins) could also come into the mix next week if their club progresses through to the decider, as they overcome hamstring and ankle injuries.
