While the raging flag favourites are assured of the first week off during the finals series, they look destined to face either Barnawartha or Chiltern in the second semi-final.

Barnawartha has emerged as the Bulldogs' biggest threat after having not lost a game since round three.

That loss was against the Bulldogs who notched a ten goal victory.

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Coach Brett Doswell said the home side would be gunning for a confidence-boosting win against the Tigers with the finals fast approaching.

"Barnawartha represents our biggest challenge of the season so far," Doswell said.

"Both Barnawartha and Chiltern look certainties to finish top-three.

"We rate Barnawartha highly and it has been playing some decent footy now for the past couple of months.

"It just gives us another gauge to see where we are at and we are looking forward to the challenge of playing a genuine contender."

The Tigers get a golden opportunity to spring an upset with the Bulldogs missing key defender Mark Haydon.

They will also be without Kade Brown who provides plenty of run and carry from the back half and has the ability to hurt the opposition with his penetrating kicks.

The Tigers' multi-pronged attack comprising coach Peter Cook, Josh Spence, Matt Dalbosco, Jarrod Williams and Cam McNeill is by far their biggest asset.

Doswell conceded in the absence of Haydon and Brown he would have to reshuffle the Bulldogs' defensive structure.

"We'll have to get our match-up's right because Barnawartha do boast plenty of firepower," he said.

"Obviously their big guns in Cook and Spence pose a huge threat.

"But they also heavily rotate their midfielders through there who can be quite damaging if you let them slip under your guard."

Doswell said he rated both Barnawartha and Chiltern highly.

But felt Barnawartha's recent finals experience would be a huge advantage come September.

"Barnawartha have a lot more experience compared to Chiltern," he said.

"But the way Chiltern played against us earlier in the season, I found were a really structured side which will give them every chance of going deep into the finals series."

The Bulldogs are expected to welcome back Matt Murray and Blair Osmond who missed last week.

Lachie Hampton played his first senior match of the season last week.

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