This theme is likely to be led by your Commander because you want cards that synergize with them
It doesn't tap itself down, you need 8 toughness or first strike just to engage in combat with it
Teroh's Vanguard Teroh's Vanguard is one of (if not the ) earliest flash creature that could throw down and save your creatures in combat in very specific versions of combat, but Im not sure we need it anymore
RP1 - 1PP - 3/2 First Strike, [new mechanic A] RP2 - PP - 2/2 Sacrifice CARDNAME: counter target spell unless controller pays 1
If you manage to keep any Dog Illusions around before popping that ultimate, thats a chance for some pretty big tokens
Anti-Venom, Horrifying Healer (Extended Art) An awesome card is a 5/5 that brings back a card from your graveyard, Anti-Venom, Horrifying Healer can also power up as it takes damage