Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has attempted to downplay Thursday night's reunion with Bailey Smith at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong.
The Round 11 match-up has long been flagged as one to watch, but over the past few weeks, with Smith's incredible form and public jibes, has turned the contest into must-see TV.
But Beveridge tried to dismiss the "theatre" that has subsequently been attached to the game given the popularity of the 24-year-old, saying Smith won't be used as extra motivation.
"It's a big game, they all are," Beveridge said.
"It's a bit of bi-play. The theatre attached to the game, with Bailey a Geelong player now, doesn't come into discussions with our preparation, with our planning tactically and the way we build ourselves up for the game.
"The emotional part of it is to do with us and our journey.
"The key individuals in the Geelong team transcend just Bailey... but he is a consideration in that.
"We don't go out of our way to antagonise and get under anyone's skin unnecessarily.
"There's obviously a combative aspect, and there's a verbal aspect of the game that exists every week, no matter who you play."
Beveridge said the Bulldogs won't apply extra attention or special consideration to their former player at Kardinia Park, whilst also making a cheeky jab at the Cats fans, as supporters are tipped to flock to the venue that could see a record-breaking attendance.
"It's taken the Bulldogs to go down there for them to almost pack out their stadium," Beveridge said with a grin.
"I don't know what that means for 'Baz' (Smith) ... I know what the headline is going to be now."
The 2016 premiership coach also noted Smith's 100 games for the club, which makes him eligible, and his potential children, as future players for the Bulldogs under the father-son, or father-daughter mechanisms.
Beveridge confirmed that veteran key forward Liam Jones will return through the VFL after overcoming a calf injury.
Midfielder Adam Treloar will be given more time on the sidelines to tend to his calf injury, and will look at a post-bye return in Round 13.
Small forward Arthur Jones will miss up to two months with a hamstring injury, which will require Beveridge to shuffle the front half.
Harvey Gallagher performed strongly in the VFL last week, gathering 22 disposals and kicking three behinds while youngsters Josh Dolan and Cooper Hynes could be recalled.
