THE RUNDOWN
The Hawks begin their pre-season preparation with a JLT Series hit-out against the Western Bulldogs. Two sides that are determined to bounce back after disappointing 2017 seasons, this game will be seen as an opportunity to springboard into a more fruitful year.
WHERE AND WHEN: Mars Stadium (Ballarat), Saturday, March 3, 2.05pm EDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide (http://www.afl.com.au/tv-radio/jlt-community-series-broadcast-guide)
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2017, Hawthorn 15.9 (99) d Western Bulldogs 13.12 (90) at Etihad Stadium
SF, 2016, Western Bulldogs 16.11 (107) d Hawthorn 12.12 (84) at MCG
R3, 2016, Hawthorn 14.9 (93) d Western Bulldogs 13.12 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2015, Hawthorn 19.13 (127) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R19, 2014, Hawthorn 16.11 (107) d Western Bulldogs 6.9 (45) at University of Tasmania Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. There will be much relief for both Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs that the 2018 season is nearly upon us as both sides look to cast aside the misery that was 2017. With the Bulldogs suffering a dreaded premiership hangover and the Hawks missing finals for the first time since 2009, each side will be keen to make last year look like a blip on the radar of an otherwise proud era for their clubs.
2.The Hawks and the Bulldogs lost considerable experience out of their backlines at the end of last year. With the departures of Luke Hodge and Josh Gibson, the Hawks see 530 senior games exit the football club, while the retirements of Bob Murphy (312 games) and Matthew Boyd (292 games) will see their defence take on a new look in 2018. This JLT clash will be respective supporters’ first opportunity to see how their young defensive brigades will stand up in the absence of these club legends’ leadership.
3. Coming off 2016 seasons in which the Bulldogs raised the premiership cup and the Hawks were preliminary finalists, both sides not only failed to reach the heights of the previous year but also faltered in their scoreboard impact completely in 2017. The Hawks ranked 14th for points scored last year, while the Dogs fell to 15th. Both clubs will be looked to rediscover the high-scoring prowess which they became renowned for in seasons gone by.
4. We’re yet to understand just how much of an indication AFLX success is of in-season form, but if last week’s opening JLT clashes are any guide then Hawks fans should be happy with their side’s grand final berth in the new initiative. Adelaide and Melbourne converted their AFLX premierships into JLT Series wins last weekend, while Brisbane, the third AFLX champion, kick off their campaign this Saturday.
5. The Bulldogs suffered some early season heartbreak when club stalwart Dale Morris suffered a slight tear in his anterior cruciate ligament in a training session last week. The premiership defender is eyeing a mid-year return but his injury means that, more than ever, this JLT Series represents an opportunity for a young Bulldog to make his mark.
6. Former Dog Daniel Giansiracusa has been handed the coaching reigns ahead of Saturday’s encounter with the Hawks. Senior coach Luke Beveridge has given the responsibility of coaching in the JLT Series to the former 265-game player in order to further his development. Former Cat and Saint Steven King will take over control for the Dogs’ game against Collingwood next week.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jarman Impey
Jarman Impey will pull on the brown and gold jumper for the first time this Saturday, as he looks to start off his Hawthorn career on the right foot. The former Port Adelaide player will look to provide versatility for Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson, with the 22-year old showing that he is comfortable playing in any position on the ground.
