James Sicily
Having fallen below 20 disposals in just two of his 12 games this year, James Sicily has had an outstandingly consistent season in 2018. Averaging career-highs in disposals (23.7), marks (seven) and contested possessions (7.5), the 23-year old has become one of the Hawks most reliable players, highlighted by his impressive 81.7 percent disposal efficiency. Watch for the forward-cum-defender to continue his rich vein of form.
Jaeger O’Meara
Jaeger O’Meara is also enjoying a strong run at the moment, averaging 26 possessions, 9.3 tackles, six clearances and four inside 50s over the past three weeks. O’Meara is complementing the Hawks midfield beautifully in 2018, with his ability to win the ball on the inside and outside. O’Meara will be looking to round out a solid month of footy with another dynamic performance against the Bulldogs.
Paul Puopolo
Puopolo is coming off one of his best games of the season last week against the Giants, gathering 10 disposals, 10 tackles, four inside 50s and two goals. It was a typical Poppy performance, as his tackling pressure came to the fore despite the Hawks’ loss. The Hawks will be looking to the 30-year old to continue such form as they look to knock off the Dogs on Saturday night.
Marcus Bontempelli
Marcus Bontempelli is one of the prime movers in the competition. At 193cm, Bontempelli is a near-on impossible match-up. His style of play is not so much as an accumulator of possessions but rather an impact player, with every one of his touches invariably having a positive influence for his side. This year, the 22-year old is averaging a career-high 1.2 goals per game, showing a new potency that only further increases the difficulty of this match-up. Undoubtedly one to watch.
Luke Dahlhaus
Luke Dahlhaus can often go under the radar. He is not an overly flashy player but he almost always finds a way to influence a game. Last week against the Cats, he had arguably his best game of the year, recording 29 disposals, eight marks and five tackles. The 25-year old has managed just one goal so far in 2018, well down on previous years, but he remains a threat for the Hawks this weekend as he poses as a potential match-winner for the Doggies.
