The Hawthorn Hawks and Western Bulldogs meet at Etihad in the final round of the home-and-away season, in a game with little meaning for one team in terms of ladder position, yet huge implications for the other. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:40pm (AEST).
Four teams sit on 11 wins and the Western Bulldogs possess the lowest percentage of the quartet.
The Dogs will be relying on losses from those sitting above them on the ladder and require a series of cards to fall their way if they are to see action in September.
To their advantage, they get first crack at the weekend and with a solid win, will move into the eight – if only temporarily – piling pressure on Melbourne, West Coast, Essendon and St Kilda as the rest of the games unfold.
It is unlikely they will improve their percentage enough to topple three of the four above them, St Kilda being the only team they have a realistic possibility of climbing over.
For Hawthorn, the unfamiliar role of the spoiler becomes the real attraction in this match, as they say goodbye to Luke Hodge. There will be significant emotion in this game, farewelling their club legend after 16 years of service and 306 games. It will be slightly different for Bob Murphy, not knowing if there’s one last hurrah in the finals awaiting.
Missing out on September action will not please the Hawthorn players or the coach, yet a slow start to the season made that mountain too difficult to overcome. Still, the second half of their season has been pleasing and Hawthorn have found positives moving into the off-season.
Prediction
Hawthorn’s ball control and possession game, combined with the Bulldogs’ inability to put teams, should see this clash become a grind.
At the end of the slugfest, the Hawks will reign and see out their legend in a fitting way, shattering the dreams of Bulldogs fans.
Hawthorn by 8 points.
Catch all the action on The Roar live from 7:40pm (AEST).
jacques of Lilydale
Guest
Hate winners - Freo As, your attitude pretty much sums up where you and your pathetic club is at. Can't blame you for being miserable, watching that excuse of a football club butchering the game week in week out would take its toll on anyone.
Sydneygirl
Guest
It ended the way many expected with a Hawthorn win and retiring champions from both teams chaired off. Well done.
Gazza
Guest
Still feeling excited to see the Hawkies push on. Bring it on! Gibbo and hodgy, Sam and the others. The new guys have a lot to live up to, but that's the best bit eh? When is the Clarkson book coming out? How to win , lose, and still be decent blokes. Go Hawks!
Peppsy
Roar Guru
4 years since 2013 and he's still angry
Mattyb
Guest
A great game and fair result. So many champions carried off tonight. Hawthorn were the victors but the rightful winner was the game. All those who participated tonight,players and viewers,should be very proud of our sport. Go Doggies next year and our VFL side is still up and about. Hawthorn is such a proud club,congratulations to all their fans and the moving on of legends of your proud club.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
An historic clash that saw some of the legends of the game grace our field for the last time. It will be mostly about Luke Hodge and the legacy he will leave as a leader of the Hawthorn football Club, yet Robert Murphy now also bids the game goodbye after dedicated service to one club. The Hawks seemed to have the game under control throughout much of the night. Jarryd Roughead was excellent up front as a target and Luke Hodge's troops down back were well organised throughout the night. The Bulldogs had moments where they appeared to threaten the lead of the Hawks yet aside from Liam Picken up front they lacked the energy and enthusiasm to physically tackle the stern Hawthorn defence. Lachie Hunter had some good moments for the Bulldogs, however, the Hawks midfield used and shared the ball well, waiting for openings to appear in the Bulldogs defence. The awful start to the season has crippled any chance the Hawks had of reaching finals football yet the way they are playing would test any opposition. For the Bulldogs, there are no words other than disappointment after the run of 2016. The players were never as committed and aggressive in their attack on the ball and they have suffered from a certain case of premiership hangover syndrome. Tears will be shed tonight as two legends bow out of the game. I salute them both and look forward to the battle for 6th, 7th and 8th as the weekend unfolds. Thanks for tuning in. See you tomorrow for the Collingwood Melbourne clash at the 'G'.
Swannies
Guest
Such a shame the Hawks have missed out on finals. Hopefully Clarkson can get the side back to what they were in 2015. Would love to see another Hawks Swans grand final.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
What a defensive effort from the Hawks in the last ten minutes. The reigning premiers have been eliminated from semi-final action and the Hawks look to rebuild for 2018. The form of O'Meara suggests they might have something to work with. Match report to follow in ten minutes.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Luke Hodge will go out a winner......FULL TIME Hawthorn 15 9 99 Bulldogs 13 12 90
Mattyb
Guest
I'm naturally a huge Bont fan AD,I hope he reaches Fyfe status,I see similarities but he has a bit to go,still very young.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Hawthorn 15 9 99 Bulldogs 13 12 90
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Lipinski has a late chance to get the Dogs within a goal......misses.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
What a final four minutes. The Hawks defence, as if inspired by Hodge are repelling the Dogs attacks. Champs always go out with a win.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
There will be tears at the end of this one no matter what.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
oh Bob Murphy with a chance to make things really tight and he shanks it into the crowd.
Freo As
Guest
As a Bulldog's fan you'd be hoping Suckling retires too wouldn't you?
Stuart Thomas
Expert
McLean from the fifty..... a long kick....GOAL BULLDOGS. They still have a chance.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
That might have been the last chance for the Dogs. Picken with a behind, they just cant find the goal.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Hunter marks inside fifty and gives the Dogs hope......has to convert........misses.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
O'Brien marks 40 out and has a chance to put the game out of reach for the Dogs.........GOAL HAWTHORN. What a kick and the Hawks kick away again.