“Your destiny is in your own hands”: David King's mission for key Bulldog on Sunday

David King is putting the pressure on Western Bulldogs key defender Liam Jones to be the man to quell Jesse Hogan.

Hogan is set to win this year’s Coleman Medal and is enjoying a career-best season, leading the Giants into the top four.

The Dogs must beat GWS on Sunday to ensure they finish in the top eight and King believes if Jones wants to play in his maiden finals series, he has to win this match-up in Ballarat.

“He’s never played in a final. Beat Jesse Hogan and you will. Your destiny is in your own hands,” King told SEN Breakfast.

“He’s 34 in February, this is your last great opportunity to just go bang.

“2024 is the year. Their profile couldn’t be better. He’s getting as much support as you can get now with their midfield on fire and Rory Lobb rolling back and helping.

“Hogan’s gone five, four, four, four, five, three, six – it’s an unbelievable run (of goals). Can you beat the hottest man in footy at the moment and get yourself a much-sought after finals opportunity?”

Kane Cornes meanwhile has GWS skipper Toby Greene in his sights.

The 2023 All-Australian captain started the year slowly, but his uptick in form has coincided with the Giants’ rise.

Cornes wants to see a vintage Toby Greene performance against the Bulldogs, especially given his role in building the rivalry between these two teams.

“I’m putting Toby Greene in the gun. And I do this reluctantly because he is the All-Australian captain,” Cornes said.

“This rivalry is a rivalry I absolutely love. He’s been at the forefront of it. Last time he played against the Bulldogs (in Ballarat) he kicked five. He’s got a great record against the Dogs.

“I’m hearing all about Jesse Hogan and Brent Daniels and Darcy Jones – Toby Greene has got to be the guy again. If he goes off in Ballarat, the prospect of them finishing top two and getting an easy path to a Grand Final is there.

“I can’t have him having four disposals like he did against the Lions. He was alright last week. I’m sensing a vintage Toby Greene performance and he needs it for his team.”

Both teams have lost a key player for the clash with Rhylee West and Lachie Ash both to miss.

The Dogs regain Tim English, while the Giants have recalled Xavier O’Halloran and Callum Brown.