Hawks supporter Byron Sweerts previews the clash between Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs.
After a disappointing last minute loss to Port Adelaide in Launceston last week, Hawthorn will be hungry to bounce back against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday to consolidate their chances of securing a position in the top four.
The Bulldogs will come out firing knowing that they must win their final two matches to be even a slight chance of being involved in the September finals action. Sitting a disheartening 12th on the AFL ladder and with four losses and a draw in the past five matches, they will be desperate to put an end to their losing streak.
A top four position accompanied with a double chance is on the line for Hawthorn on Sunday. Given how many teams are still vying for a top eight position, a loss to the Bulldogs will place further pressure on the Hawks to come away with a win against the formidable Swans at the SCG in the last round.
The last time the Hawks and the Bulldogs met was in Round 5 at the MCG earlier this year and it was the Bulldogs who took the four points with an impressive 17-point victory. Scott West devoured the Hawthorn midfield amassing a massive 41 possessions.
If the Hawks win on Sunday, the history between the clubs will be on level pegging with 72 wins each and 2 drawn matches.
Both teams have dynamic midfields. The Hawks will rotate their experienced line up of Mitchell, Hodge, Lewis and Crawford through the centre to win first use of the football and to ultimately reduce the effectiveness of the likes of West, Boyd, Cross and Cooney.
Hawthorn’s midfield could be further bolstered with the return of their influential skipper, Richie Vandenburg, who was sidelined last week with a knee injury. The Bulldogs have strong inclusions in Chris Grant and Jordan McMahon who make a timely return to strengthen their defensive half.
Hawthorn’s potent forward line will be the difference between the two sides once the final siren sounds, as the Bulldogs will find it difficult to cover the silky smooth skills of Franklin, Roughead, Boyle and Dixon.
The Bulldogs will throw everything they can muster at the Hawks, but Hawthorn will stand strong and send out an ominous message to the rest of the competition that they will be a force to be reckoned with come September.
Congratulations to Ben Dixon who plays his 200th game for the club and also Jason Akermanis who receives Life Membership by playing his 300th official game.
If you would like to comment on the above review, log in to our chatzone.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and notnecessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.auwould like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to theOfficial Club website. If you would like to sign up to write forhawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
After a disappointing last minute loss to Port Adelaide in Launceston last week, Hawthorn will be hungry to bounce back against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday to consolidate their chances of securing a position in the top four.
The Bulldogs will come out firing knowing that they must win their final two matches to be even a slight chance of being involved in the September finals action. Sitting a disheartening 12th on the AFL ladder and with four losses and a draw in the past five matches, they will be desperate to put an end to their losing streak.
A top four position accompanied with a double chance is on the line for Hawthorn on Sunday. Given how many teams are still vying for a top eight position, a loss to the Bulldogs will place further pressure on the Hawks to come away with a win against the formidable Swans at the SCG in the last round.
The last time the Hawks and the Bulldogs met was in Round 5 at the MCG earlier this year and it was the Bulldogs who took the four points with an impressive 17-point victory. Scott West devoured the Hawthorn midfield amassing a massive 41 possessions.
If the Hawks win on Sunday, the history between the clubs will be on level pegging with 72 wins each and 2 drawn matches.
Both teams have dynamic midfields. The Hawks will rotate their experienced line up of Mitchell, Hodge, Lewis and Crawford through the centre to win first use of the football and to ultimately reduce the effectiveness of the likes of West, Boyd, Cross and Cooney.
Hawthorn’s midfield could be further bolstered with the return of their influential skipper, Richie Vandenburg, who was sidelined last week with a knee injury. The Bulldogs have strong inclusions in Chris Grant and Jordan McMahon who make a timely return to strengthen their defensive half.
Hawthorn’s potent forward line will be the difference between the two sides once the final siren sounds, as the Bulldogs will find it difficult to cover the silky smooth skills of Franklin, Roughead, Boyle and Dixon.
The Bulldogs will throw everything they can muster at the Hawks, but Hawthorn will stand strong and send out an ominous message to the rest of the competition that they will be a force to be reckoned with come September.
Congratulations to Ben Dixon who plays his 200th game for the club and also Jason Akermanis who receives Life Membership by playing his 300th official game.
If you would like to comment on the above review, log in to our chatzone.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and notnecessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.auwould like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to theOfficial Club website. If you would like to sign up to write forhawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
