[VIDEO] Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs: AFL live scores, blog

MATCH REPORT:

The Hawthorn Hawks recorded a commanding 70-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium today, with a seven goal performance from Jarryd Roughead and 44 disposals from Luke Hodge the headline acts.

The Bulldogs, who had to withdraw Matthew Boyd and Marcus Bontempelli from their named team before the bounce, and lost Mitch Wallis and Dale Morris to injuries in the first quarter, battled manfully all day but just weren’t up to task.

A 61-41 differential in the Inside 50s shows just how well the Hawks played and when they got the ball forward they were almost always able to convert. The Bulldogs worked hard to even up the midfield battle in the second half, but their forwards struggled to make their effort worthwhile.

Roughead was matched up on a variety of opponents through the day and out classed all of them. In addition to his bag of seven goals, he recorded 28 disposals and 4 clearances.

Hodge was in incredible form, with a finishing stat line of 44 disposals (equalling a Hawthorn club record), seven marks, nine clearances, two goals and three goal assists.

Jordan Lewis (41 disposals), Isaac Smith (36), Grant Birchall (30) and Taylor Duryea (29) had plenty of the ball also, and Will Langford record eight clearances.

The Bulldogs were without some of their most talented players but some of their lesser lights stepped up to the plate. Lin Jong had 23 disposals, 5 clearances and kicked a goal, and key defender Michael Talia had 27 disposals and recored 7 one-percenters.

Most encouraging was the performance of Tom Boyd. The former Giant kicked three goals with the most impressive coming after a big contested mark in the third term.

Luke Dahlhaus was arguably the Bulldogs best with 29 disposals, six clearances and a goal, while Will Minson battled well in the ruck, notching up 21 disposals and 11 one-percenters.

Draftee Lukas Webb looked good on debut too – he played off half-back showing off his solid kicking skills on the left. He only managed ten disposals for the day in a game that was not ideal for a debutant, but should improve if he holds his spot.

While the Bulldogs can take a few positives out of their performance, they also have some injuries concerns to come out of the game. At the end of the day, this one was all about the Hawks, who reminded us just how good they are.

Hawthorn 19.13.127 def. Western Bulldogs 8.9.57

Votes
3 – Luke Hodge
2 – Jarryd Roughead
1 – Jordan Lewis

MATCH PREVIEW:

The 2-0 Western Bulldogs will have their mettle tested today when they travel to face the Hawthorn Hawks at Aurora Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1.10pm AEST.

The Bulldogs have been the surprise packet of the opening fortnight, recording successive upset wins against West Coast and Richmond in the first two rounds.

Young gun Marcus Bontempelli is leading the charge and could easily have six Brownlow votes to his name by this point in the season.

Tory Dickson is firing up forward – he has kicked six goals so far this year – and Luke Dahlhaus has been at his damaging best. Mitch Honeychurch last week earnt a Rising Star nomination. The Bulldogs have lifted across the board.

Wins over West Coast (9th in 2014) and Richmond (8th) are no small victories, but it’s safe to say the competition is taking a step up this week, as the Bulldogs face reigning premiers Hawthorn.

They have made only one change. Easton Wood will miss with a hamstring, and draftee Lukas Webb comes in for his debut. Nathan Hrovat, Koby Stevens and Fletcher Roberts have all been named on the extended bench and may come in to the side as well.

The Hawks on the other hand are coming off a disappointing last-seconds loss to Essendon in Round 2 and will be keen to make ammends. The retun of big stars Sam Mitchell and Josh Gibson will lift the team a great deal, as will the return of Brendan Whitecross who hasn’t played since 2013.

Prediction
The Bulldogs have had a good run in the opening fortnight, but they’re playing with the big boys now. I don’t expect it to go well for them.
Hawthorn by 36 points.

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