After an impressive showing against North Melbourne in Round 7, the Bulldogs have suffered a number of heavy losses at the hands of top sides Sydney and Essendon, while also falling to Brisbane by 58 points at Etihad Stadium in Round 13.

On the outside, the Hawthorn-Western Bulldogs clash appears to be a mismatch given the win-loss records of both sides over the course of the season, however, if you dig deeper, some similarities between the two sides emerge.

Looking ahead

Undoubtedly, the Bulldogs boast one of the best midfield groups in the competition in terms of hardness, desire for the contest and the ability to win the hard ball. Skipper Matthew Boyd, veteran Daniel Cross and youngster Tom Liberatore are just three players who make up the Bulldogs’ midfield group who ranked equal second in the competition for clearances.

Averaging 40 per game, the Bulldogs have no problems getting the ball out of the middle and going forward, meaning that also restricts their opponent’s ability to win the footy and move it quickly.

Of the players rotating through that midfield group, the Bulldogs have a number of players who are more than capable of winning the football and getting it going forward. Boyd and Liberatore average six clearances per game, while Ryan Griffen (five), Mitch Wallis (four), Cross and Adam Cooney both chip in for three per game makes them one of the best clearance sides in the league.

That strength, however, is matched by the Hawks midfield group consisting of hard nuts Sam Mitchell, Brad Sewell, Liam Shiels, Shaun Burgoyne and Jordan Lewis who combine with teammates to average 39 clearances per game.

For the Hawks, it’s Mitchell leading the way, averaging six clearances per game, with Sewell (five), Lewis (four), Shiels and Jarryd Roughead three who are the go to players.

It makes for an important battle in the middle, given that the Hawks are arguably the best disposers of the football in the league. If the Bulldogs can win the battle in the midfield, and restrict the amount of football getting into the hands of the Hawks, then the Dogs will be in with a chance.

Adding to that notion of restricting the Hawks’ ability to find the ball in space, is the role of the Bulldogs forwards. While there is no “gorilla” up forward for the Bulldogs, that could suit them on a fast Etihad surface. The role of Tory Dickson, Shaun Higgins and Luke Dahlhaus becomes integral both in a scoring aspect and the ability to apply pressure.

The Hawks defence who have so far been outstanding this season will need to be aware of the speed and nous of the Bulldogs forwards who are unique in the big scheme of the world of the AFL.

It’s the giant elephant in the room, but the Hawks will be without gun full forward Lance Franklin who sustained a hamstring injury in the win over the Giants in Round 15. That is good news for the Bulldogs, given that Brian Lake can now turn his attention to Jarryd Roughead.

Roughead has emerged as one of the Hawks most important players this season, with his flexibility and versatility a key component to the Hawks game style. He starred in the second half last week, booting five second half goals to emerge as the dominant forward on the ground, all while he was also shouldering ruck duties.

The ability of Lake, Ryan Hargrave and the Bulldogs defence to work together and quell Roughead’s influence will be at the front of Coach Brendan McCartney’s mind.



Jarryd Roughead:  "Their midfield for sure (is their strength). Boyd and Cross and young fells like Liberatore and Wallis, if you can get on top of them early, and if we can get the ball going forward and quick, then that'll go a long way to helping us win."


Anu Kailash on twitter: "Play Roughead closer to home and Broc McCauley to help Hale ruck. (Play) Cyril and Burgoyne in the middle and we should beat them."






RELATED

Check out some highlights from the last time the Hawks met the Bulldogs.