Influential defender Hayden Crozier says the Western Bulldogs are excited by the challenge of trying to nullify in-form forward Tom Hawkins and his Geelong Cats.
It’s a Friday night blockbuster, with plenty riding on it for the Bulldogs.
They have yet to defeat a top-eight side this season, with hub losses to Richmond, Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide, plus Collingwood and St Kilda right at the beginning of the season.
Hawkins leads the Coleman Medal tally with 33 majors this season, with the third-placed Cats surging into premiership contention.
“It’s going to be a big challenge and something we’ll be up for,” Crozier told media this week, ahead of his 50th game as a Bulldog.
“He’s had a fantastic year and a lot of their forwards have had a good year too.
“They’re obviously one of the standout teams in the competition.
“If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best, so we’re really looking forward to this challenge and we’ll give it a red-hot crack.”
The Bulldogs will enter the clash in strong form themselves, with back-to-back wins against Melbourne and the Adelaide Crows.
Learnings from a string of losses to the Tigers, Lions and Power have reinforced how important it will be for the Bulldogs to compete for the full four quarters.
Stopping the Cats’ forward looms as a key part of the contest, with Crozier confident an ever-improving Bulldogs back-line is up to the task.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who have taken their game to the next level,” he said.
“There’s been a bit of media around Bailey Williams this week and how much he’s improved, but it’s not only the stuff you see but the stuff behind the ball as well in getting organised.
“Caleb Daniel’s brought his game to another level, and even our key pillars… Alex Keath coming over has shored us up a little bit, Zaine Cordy was playing some great footy before he got injured and Easton Wood’s playing some good footy too.”
Jason Johannisen’s trademark run and carry was on full display against the Demons on Saturday afternoon, with Crozier adding his defensive impact has also been important in 2020.
“We know what JJ brings, that line-breaking ability,” Crozie said.
“He’s so quick.
“The thing about JJ as well is I think his defensive stuff is really underrated. Internally, it’s very highly rated and the stuff that he does is brought up in lights in meetings.
“From an external point of view, guys obviously see the run and carry… the way he’s been playing has been fantastic for us, the way he’s been able to defend and then kick start our offence has been great.”
