The Western Bulldogs' thrilling five-point win over GWS on Saturday means they are just half a win behind eighth-placed Richmond.

If the Tigers fail to beat Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday, their final-round match against Essendon will become a nervy affair.

But a win over Hawthorn will guarantee finals action, and more importantly give star midfielder Dustin Martin ample time to get his hamstring right.

The Bulldogs (11-10) face Hawthorn in the final round.

Tenth-placed St Kilda (11-10) are the other team still in the race to make the top eight, but they'll need to beat Sydney in the final round and rely on other results to fall their way in order to sneak through.

Seventh-placed Carlton can secure their berth with victory over Melbourne on Saturday night, or Collingwood next week.

Richmond have beaten Brisbane and Port Adelaide over the past fortnight, and will fancy their chances against Hawthorn.

But the Hawks will be no pushovers, especially after captain Ben McEvoy announced his retirement during the week.

Hawthorn have won four of their past five games to improve their season record to 8-12 under first-year coach Sam Mitchell.

Richmond have been bolstered by the return of veteran Shane Edwards, while the Hawks have recalled experienced midfielder Liam Shiels for his first senior game since round 16.

Sunday's match will mark the 150-game AFL milestone of Hawthorn's Jarman Impey.

Impey, who can play in defence or up forward, notched 75 games for Port Adelaide at the start of his career, and he will now bring up game No.75 for Hawthorn.

"It's a bit weird - 75 each - it's quite bizarre," Impey said.

"I started off at Port, worked very hard and it has been a good journey. Now I'm at this great club and it's my ninth season in the system, so it has gone really quick."

Australian Associated Press