Bulldogs out to celebrate Bontempelli's AFL milestone

The Western Bulldogs are wary of Hawthorn trying to spoil the Marcus Bontempelli party, with the captain celebrating his 200-game milestone in their round-seven AFL clash.

While the Bulldogs are coming off an impressive win over Fremantle, and Hawthorn anchor the ladder with just one victory, coach Luke Beveridge said the Hawks will bring some danger to Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Hawthorn have lost their last three, two heartbreakingly within three points, including taking fifth-placed Adelaide to the wire last round.

Beveridge said the Hawks' debutants, ruckman Max Ramsden and defender Josh Weddle, would add to Hawthorn's speed across the ground.

"Hawthorn's best this year has tested a number of sides, so we're preparing for a team that can run," Beveridge said on Friday.

"Even with two young fellas they have bought in, they're high-end speed endurance athletes so we'll have our work cut out keeping up with them."

Former Bulldogs forward Fergus Greene, who was delisted at the end of 2022, will line up against his old team for the first time.

Beveridge said he was happy to see the 25-year-old get a second chance at the Hawks.

"Fergus unfortunately was more a victim of the COVID years and he didn't get a chance to show his wares," Beveridge said.

"I've been impressed with what he's doing. He's not overly tall but he's long in the air, he's got long arms, he can run and he's a dead- eye with his finish.

"We don't want 'Spider' Greene to play well tomorrow and we'll do our best to keep him under wraps."

Beveridge spoke glowingly of Bontempelli, who is in Brownlow Medal contention after a blistering start to the season.

"He's playing some very influential footy ... we use that term 'match-winner' sparingly and it's a label that he can definitely have in brackets after his name because he's that kind of player," he said of the 27-year-old, who made his debut back in 2014.

"We're really fortunate to have him, he's an exceptional human being. 

"It's a big occasion and hopefully we can show our best and then celebrate his milestone after the game."

Bailey Smith will make a timely return from a calf injury, replacing fellow midfielder Tom Liberatore who is missing through concussion.

Beveridge didn't expect Smith to be at top speed after sitting out the past two rounds.

"You'd say after a interrupted couple of weeks he won't be setting any records with the ground he covers but he's such an important player for us and there's no risk - he's fine," the coach said.

"We're looking forward to having him back in the team. He played really well against Brisbane a few weeks ago and was a great contributor against Richmond, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off."

Beveridge said Liberatore was no certainty to return next week against the Giants despite completing training.