SUMMARY
One team is undefeated and the other licking its wounds after a disappointing round two performance, but few would have guessed it would have been the Western Bulldogs sitting pretty at 2-0. Rookie coach Luke Beveridge has inspired the Dogs with an attacking brand of football which could worry the Hawks, especially given Beveridge's extensive inside knowledge of the club where he was backline coach for the past three seasons. Alastair Clarkson blasted his side's effort against Essendon and skipper Luke Hodge questioned their composure under pressure, which could be improved by the returns of Josh Gibson (soreness) and Sam Mitchell (corked calf).
WHERE AND WHEN: Aurora Stadium, Sunday, April 19, 1.10pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2014, Hawthorn 16.11 (107) d Western Bulldogs 6.9 (45) at Aurora Stadium
R17, 2013, Hawthorn 13.17 (95) d Western Bulldogs 11.10 (76) at Aurora Stadium
R16, 2012, Hawthorn 17.14 (116) d Western Bulldogs 6.8 (44) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2011, Hawthorn 16.17 (113) d Western Bulldogs 10.7 (67) at the MCG
R10, 2011, Hawthorn 13.13 (91) d Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Hawks' final score of 11.10 (76) against Essendon in round two was their lowest score against any opposition since they kicked 9.12 (66) in round 19, 2013 against Richmond.
2. Hawks star Jordan Lewis has carried on his best-and-fairest form from last season and is the leading possession-winner in the competition with 69 disposals after two rounds. Matthew Boyd is ranked 12th with 58 possessions.
3. The Bulldogs face a huge challenge at Hawthorn's fortress in Launceston. The Hawks have won their last 11 games at Aurora Stadium in a streak stretching back to round five, 2012.
4. The Western Bulldogs have laid the most tackles this season with an average of 83.5 per game, while Hawthorn is ranked 10th with an average of 59.
5. This will be the 157th contest between the sides and Hawthorn holds a narrow advantage winning 79 games to 75, with two draws. The Hawks have won the last six meetings, which is an equal club record.
6. Seven Hawks are ranked in the top 50 of the Gatorade Official AFL Player Ratings, while Tom Liberatore – who is out for the season due to a knee injury – is the only Bulldogs player inside the top 50.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Luke Beveridge. The apprentice will face his former master, Alastair Clarkson, for the first time at Aurora Stadium. Beveridge has the Bulldogs flying at 2-0 and playing an exciting, fast-paced and ferocious brand of football. With his extensive inside knowledge of the Hawks, can he engineer a huge upset?
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 13 points
