WHERE & WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday March 1, 7.40pm (AEDT)
FORM: The Bulldogs left their army of downtrodden fans fearing another miserable season a fortnight ago with a double defeat against Essendon and Collingwood.
The fact the Dogs had a near full-strength team was the most worrying aspect of the night, along with their continuing lack of firepower in attack.
A rusty Hawthorn also failed to snare a win last weekend against the Lions and Gold Coast at Carrara.
Though, with a host of stars on the sidelines, including most of their first-choice midfielders, coach Alastair Clarkson won't be panicking yet.
WALKING WOUNDED: The Bulldogs are in the rare position of having all charges available, with ruckman/forward Jordan Roughead the notable inclusion. West Coast recruit Koby Stevens will make his debut in red, white and blue after missing the opening round with a virus.
But Hawthorn will be missing Paul Puopolo and Michael Osborne (knee injuries) and Cyril Rioli (ankle) while Shaun Burgoyne and Luke Hodge are both recovering from post-season surgery.
Former Bulldog Brian Lake (rested) will also sit out the match for the Hawks.
In better news, Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell and Brad Sewell have been cleared to pull on the boots for the first time in 2013.
WHO'S HOT: Brett Goodes showed he belonged at AFL level with solid performances in his first two matches in the big time. The 29-year-old gathered a collective 13 disposals against Collingwood and Essendon, but it was his sharp skills across half back and when kicking out after behinds that convinced many there's a permanent senior role for the VFL premiership player and Wimmera Football League export in 2013.
Hawks swingman Jarryd Roughead was moved from his customary forward/ruck role against the Lions and Suns, and impressed at centre half-back with his strength in marking contests and poise at ground level.
WE THINK: Brendan McCartney will demand the Bulldogs improve their kicking skills from the opening week when they were hurt by turnovers all across the ground, especially in the letter stages of their matches.
The addition of Jordan Roughead will provide the Dogs with a welcome extra tall target in attack after tagger Liam Picken was used unsuccessfully at full forward against the Pies and Dons.
Overall, the Bulldogs - and their fans - will be keen to snag a win, having not sung their song since June 17 last year.
That will be a tough ask against Hawthorn, who will relish the slick Etihad Stadium conditions after battling the Metricon Stadium rain last Saturday.
Despite suffering two surprise losses, the Hawks opted to stick with a similar line up, with stars Lance Franklin, Josh Gibson and Luke Breust among those to play in their second pre-season match of 2013.
With some of the pre-season cobwebs cleared last weekend, the 2013 runners up should click up another gear and see off a desperate Bulldogs team. Hawthorn by 18 points.