The Changes
Hawthorn
Out – Daniel Howe
In – Liam Shiels
Western Bulldogs
Out – Josh Dunkley
In – Lin Jong
The Form
The response from Hawthorn last week was typical of the three-time premiers, bouncing back from a disappointing loss against Geelong to record a dominant 46-point against West Coast – the same margin they defeated the Eagles by in the 2015 Grand final.
Josh Gibson (44 disposals and a goal) and Sam Mitchell (37 disposals and nine clearances) led the way for the Hawks, and they were helped by a number of Hawthorn youngsters who stood up on the big stage.
The Western Bulldogs have been scintillating over the first fortnight of the season, first recording a big win over last year’s minor premiers Fremantle, and then a comfortable victory over St Kilda.
Their pace and exceptional ball use is what has excited their fans and independent supporters alike, their game style perfectly suited to playing at Etihad Stadium.
The Dogs’ playing group is young and quickly building experience, but they are still led by older heads in Robert Murphy, Matthew Boyd and Dale Morris.
After losing an elimination final to the Adelaide Crows last year which ended their season, it looks as though the Bulldogs are out to prove they will only improve this season.
Stats That Matter
The Bulldogs have averaged a huge 107.4 points per game at Etihad Stadium over the last 13 games they’ve played at the venue.
Hawthorn’s defence – which kept West Coast to just 53 points last week – will have a big job in front of them against the Dogs.
Key Player
The Hawks will look to get the advantage in the ruck with Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar going up against the inexperienced pairing of Jordan Roughead and Tom Boyd - if the Dogs opt to go without Tom Campbell and enter with an unchanged line-up.
The ruck battle could prove pivotal to which side takes control of the game.
It’s A Big Week For…
Hawthorn’s youngsters.
Will Langford (23 disposals, 11 tackles), James Sicily (four goals, 15 disposals), Billy Hartung (32 disposals), Jonathan O’Rourke (18 disposals and a goal) and Taylor Duryea (22 disposals) all had great performances last week, and the challenge now is to back that up against another high-quality opponent.
Odd Fact
Shaun Burgoyne has averaged 18.93 disposals across his career against the Dogs – his highest average disposals per game against any Victorian team.
Final Thoughts
This could be one of the home and away games of the year, the reigning premiers up against the next big thing in the Western Bulldogs.
It promises to be exciting viewing.
