WHERE & WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday 5 March, 7.40pm (AEDT)

MATCH ODDS: Luxbet: Western Bulldogs $1.36, Port Adelaide $3.10

FORM: After overhauling the Lions in the wet at Manuka Oval first-up the Bulldogs were awesome in dispatching the Hawks by 57 points last Friday at Etihad Stadium. Port's campaign has been more impressive still with victories over Adelaide by 56 points followed by last Saturday's 78-point drubbing of West Coast at Subiaco.

WALKING WOUNDED: Skipper Brad Johnson is the Bulldogs' main injury concern. The 33-year-old, who is yet to figure in his club's competitive pre-season after injuring a calf at training, is likely to play next week. Christian Howard (hip), the club's first round selection at last year's AFL national draft, is also unavailable. Dropped from last week's squad are Ben Hudson, Daniel Giansiracusa and Brennan Stack. Tom Williams, Easton Wood and Will Minson are the Dogs' inclusions.

The Port selectors have opted to rest forward Daniel Motlop despite his availability after serving a one-match suspension. Hamish Hartlett (hamstring) and David Rodan (knee) will also miss. Port's made five changes to its squad, replacing Josh Carr, Matthew Lobbe, Danny Meyer, Jay Nash and Jasper Pittard with Travis Boak, Dean Brogan, Robbie Gray, Marlon Motlop and Warren Tredrea.

WHO'S HOT: Former St Kilda and Sydney forward Barry Hall had a debut to remember for the Bulldogs last Friday with a six-goal bag which included four in the opening term on the hapless Josh Gibson. Youngsters have led the way throughout Port's 2010 NAB Cup campaign. Last week it was the turn of rookie Cameron Hitchcock with four goals against the Eagles and second-year midfielder Mitch Banner, three.

WE THINK: Port's done brilliantly to get this far, but the Bulldogs mean business. The club hasn't contested a final of any type since taking out the night series in 1970 when that competition was contested at the Lake Oval in September by teams which failed to qualify for the final four. It's the Western Bulldogs by 18 points.