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Hawthorn’s finals chances are under severe threat as the Western Bulldogs host them at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. Join The Roar for live scores and blog of the encounter, starting from 7:25pm AEST.
The Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn last met in Round 23 last year. The Hawks came out nine-point winners at Etihad Stadium. Jarryd Roughead kicked five goals, and Mitchell had 32 disposals.
These teams could not play more different styles. The Bulldogs operate high energy, high handball, high-risk football, but as last week showed, they are mesmerising at their best.
In contrast, Hawthorn is far more deliberate in their approach and like to hit low risk 45-degree targets.
This game looms large as a must-win fixture for the Hawks. They are currently only outside the eight on percentage and possess one of the easiest draws in the competition, but they have shown recent form not befitting of a finals side.
Hawthorn has had a sporadic season, with extraordinary performances, such as their Easter Monday victory against Geelong, mixed in with equally disappointing performances, as they showed against Brisbane in Round 9.
Tom Mitchell has produced an incredibly consistent and impactful season. Ahead on almost all Brownlow predictors, the former Swan has often single handily held up the rejuvenating Hawthorn midfield.
The Hawks lost to a depleted GWS outfit by 11 points in Sydney last week. What was more horrifying was the incredible disparity in the contested ball. GWS collected an astonishing 55 more contested possessions than the Hawks and won the clearances 51 to 28. No matter how good the Hawks ball movement is, they will be unable to compete if they lose the inside battle by such a margin.
In stark contrast, the Western Bulldogs have played two weeks of high-quality, high-pace football. Lead by Luke Dahlhaus; the Bulldogs have had a renaissance of the pressure that saw them dominate September in 2016.
Jackson Macrae has been a revelation for the Bulldogs in 2018. A previously good contributor, Macrae has broken out into an absolute superstar of the competition. The Dogs mid ranks elite in 12 separate stat categories this year.
Last week, the Bulldogs executed an incredible upset over the much-fancied Cats. Harry Taylor had the opportunity to put Geelong in front after the siren but blocked it out to the left.
Join The Roar for live scores and blog of the match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks in Round 16 of the 2018 AFL Season at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, starting from 7:25pm AEST.
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