Saturday night's contest under the roof of Etihad Stadium is set for a very intriguing battle, as the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Football Club renew hostilities. Less than two years ago, these two sides were fighting it out for a spot in the Preliminary Finals, but things have changed dramatically for both teams since.
Whilst the injury-stricken Bulldogs don't have very much to play for in terms of Finals' opportunities, they're past two weeks have been very encouraging, especially last week when they pulled out an upset win over Geelong last Friday night. Some may argue that they got away with it due to a poor Harry Taylor set-shot after the siren, but the Dogs had thoroughly deserved that win. Their pressure, their skill and their appetite for the contest showed signs of the 2016 team that captured the hearts of many.
On the back of such an inspirational effort against the Cats last week, there is no doubt that Luke Beveridge will have his troops up and about for this game. But make no mistake about it, his Hawthorn counterpart Alastair Clarkson will be looking for his side to get back onto the winners' list this weekend. However, this week has been somewhat soured for Hawks, as the talented Cyril Rioli announced his retirement at the age of 28. One would have to assume it’s for family reasons.
After round 15, Hawthorn sit in 10th position on the ladder, with eight wins and percentage behind North Melbourne and Geelong, who sit ninth and eighth on the ladder respectively. Last week's game against the Greater Western Sydney Giants presented them with a very good opportunity to overtake both sides and jump into the eight a game ahead. They couldn't get the job done and now it makes this match all the more important.
History will be on the Hawks' side though. Since 2011, the Bulldogs have only won one game in the past nine meetings – that win coming in the Semi Final of 2016. However, the Hawks have been a 'hot and cold' side throughout 2018. Everyone knows that their best football is capable of matching the better sides in the competition. But we also know that they can put in some real stinkers as well. This is a game that the Hawks must win to stay in touch with the eight.
The Teams
Western Bulldogs
IN: Shane Biggs, Caleb Daniel OUT: Bailey Williams (Foot), Lin Jong (Shoulder) B: Marcus Adams, Jackson Trengove, Roarke Smith HB: Dale Morris, Zaine Cordy, Jason Johannisen C: Hayden Crozier, Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter HF: Ed Richards, Josh Schache, Mitch Wallis F: Luke Dahlhaus, Aaron Naughton, Billy Gowers FOL: Tom Boyd, Toby McLean, Josh Dunkley INT: Shane Biggs, Patrick Lipinski, Caleb Daniel, Bradley Lynch EMG: Lewis Young, Jordan Roughead, Mitch Honeychurch, Fergus Greene
The Western Bulldogs have been forced to make two changes to the team that toppled Geelong for the first time in nine years for Saturday’s game. Lin Jong’s season is over after it was revealed he had suffered a broken collarbone in a tackle in the first quarter last Friday night. In some more bad luck for the Bulldogs, up-and-comer Bailey Williams injured his foot at training and is expected to miss at least the next four weeks.
They will regain Caleb Daniel after he missed last week with a sore knee and will also recall Shane Biggs after it was revealed that he had a stomach bug last weekend and didn’t play any level of footy. He was last playing in the Round 13 loss to Port Adelaide.
Hawthorn
IN: Jack Gunston, Teia Miles OUT: Tim O’Brien (Omitted), Will Langford (Finger) B: Ryan Burton, James Frawley, Ben Stratton HB: Jarman Impey, James Sicily, Blake Hardwick C: Ricky Henderson, Tom Mitchell, Isaac Smith HF: Jack Gunston, Jon Ceglar, Jaegar O’Meara F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo FOL: Ben McEvoy, Liam Shiels, Daniel Howe INT: Conor Glass, Harry Morrison, Taylor Duryea, Teia Miles EMG: Tim O’Brien, Jonothan O’Rourke, Kaiden Brand, Brendan Whitecross
The Hawks have also made two changes to their side after their loss to Greater Western Sydney last Saturday night. Only one of these changes are forced, with Will Langford set to spend some time on the sidelines, dislocating a finger last weekend. Tim O’Brien has been dropped to the emergencies, joining Jono O’Rourke, Kaiden Brand and Brendan Whitecross.
They will regain a key cog in the forward line in Jack Gunston, after he missed last week’s match with a quad injury. Gunston’s had a solid year so far, kicking 25.16 for the year. Teia Miles is named for his first game of the season. With his last game in round 21, 2017.
Recent History (Past 10 Meetings)
Round 23, 2017 – Etihad Stadium: Hawthorn 15.9.99 def Western Bulldogs 13.12.90
Semi Final, 2016 – MCG: Hawthorn 12.12.84 def by Western Bulldogs 16.11.107
Round 3, 2016 – Etihad Stadium: Western Bulldogs 13.12.90 def by Hawthorn 14.9.93
Round 3, 2015 – Aurora Stadium: Hawthorn 19.13.127 def Western Bulldogs 8.9.57
Round 19, 2014 – Aurora Stadium: Hawthorn 16.11.107 def Western Bulldogs 6.9.45
Round 17, 2013 – Aurora Stadium: Hawthorn 13.17.95 def Western Bulldogs 11.10.76
Round 16, 2012 – Etihad Stadium: Western Bulldogs 6.8.44 def by Hawthorn 17.14.116
Round 23, 2011 – MCG: Hawthorn 16.17.113 def Western Bulldogs 10.7.67
Round 10, 2011 – Etihad Stadium: Western Bulldogs 9.8.62 def by Hawthorn 13.13.91
Round 14, 2010 – MCG: Hawthorn 12.7.79 def Western Bulldogs 11.10.76
Players To Watch
Western Bulldogs
Billy Gowers
Billy Gowers has had a pretty solid debut season this year, but these past two weeks in particular has seen him reach new levels. He had 22 disposals, 12 marks and three goals against the Kangaroos in round 14 and then overcame what looked like a nasty ankle injury against Geelong to kick two goals and have 19 disposals. Is one to watch because his form is looking very promising. His father Andy used to play for the Hawthorn, playing 89 games - including one 1991 premiership.
Marcus Adams
Since returning to the team in round 14, Marcus Adams, along with the inclusion of Dale Morris, has been a very critical piece in defence. Whilst there are knocks on how injury-prone he has been over the past couple of years, there is no denying that his form over the past couple of weeks has been one of a few reasons why the Dogs have been so competitive. Another big match this weekend, trying to contain the likes of Roughead, Breust and Gunston.
Hawthorn
Jarryd Roughead
The Hawthorn captain would loom as the most dangerous opposition player this weekend. Last time these two sides played, Roughead proved to be the difference, kicking five goals in what was eventually a nine-point win. He has only kicked 21 goals for the year, but his history against the Bulldogs is damning. In just 14 games, he has kicked 46 goals - No doubt this is a man they must stop on Saturday night.
Tom Mitchell
Whether you think of Tom Mitchell highly or you don’t, any side cannot afford to let him have so much space. As he has shown over the past two years, he can accumulate possessions with such ease. Recorded 50 disposals for the third time in his career and second this season last weekend. Had 32 disposals last time he played the Bulldogs and is averaging just over 35 disposals per game this season along with a career-best 8.3 clearances per game.
Final Verdict
All signs point towards the Hawks. A loss last week that they couldn’t have really afforded in a league that is incredibly tight at the present time. You sense that the Hawks will be raring to go for ruing such a missed opportunity.
However, I think if the Bulldogs can maintain their form over the past two weeks, then they should beat the Hawks. Which is why I’m picking them here. Their pressure has been first-rate and I really enjoyed watching them take the game on against Geelong on Friday night. Josh Dunkley had himself a career-game in the midfield last weekend and I want to see him try to better that this weekend.
Luke Dahlhaus had his best game of the season last weekend - I want to see him bring that sort of intensity again this weekend. Dale Morris and Marcus Adams have made the backline so much stronger since they both returned to the side and if they can quell the likes of Roughead, Gunston and Breust, then the Dogs will definitely have the upper hand to make a serious statement in the second half of the year.
Western Bulldogs By 12 Points