Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs preview, tips, odds and teams – 2014 AFL Round 19

The second game of Sunday AFL Round 19 matches is between Hawthorn Hawks and Western Bulldogs. The game is set to commence at 3:20 PM local time with the game to be played at Aurora Stadium. Home team Hawthorn Hawks go into the match as the favourites in the market. View our preview and teams for the game between Hawthorn Hawks and Western Bulldogs.

Round: Round 19 , August 03, 2014, 3:20 PM
Stadium: Aurora Stadium
Weather: 13° Shower or two

Featured Bookmakers:

Tips:

Preview:

THE FINAL Hawthorn game for the year in Tassie should be a good one. The emerging Bulldogs will relish the opportunity to test themselves against the equal flag favourites, and let’s hope Brendan McCartney allows his pups to go head to head with the Hawks. The midfield clashes should be entertaining, but where the Hawks will prevail here is their clear edge in the key positions. Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston could get off the leash and with the Hawks needing the win and the percentage for their top two hopes, there will be no letting up if the game breaks open.

LAST FIVE TIMES
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 MCG
R10, 2011, Hawthorn 13.13 (91) d Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2010, Hawthorn 12.7 (79) d Western Bulldogs 11.10 (76) at MCG

THE SIX POINTS
1. The Hawks and Bulldogs clash for the 156th time and Hawthorn holds a 78-75 advantage, with two draws.

2. The contest could be won in the clearances. The Hawks are ranked first with 41.2 per game while the Bulldogs are fourth averaging 40.7.

3. Hawthorn has won its past 10 matches at Aurora Stadium and 17 of its last 18; but in the Bulldogs’ favour they have a 50 per cent record against the Hawks at Aurora with one win from two games.

4. The Hawks continue to the be the number one inside 50 side in 2014, averaging 57.6, though they are equal sixth for marks inside 50. The Dogs are ranked 15th for inside 50s.

5. Only one opposition side since 2009 has kicked 100 points in a game against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium, the Sydney Swans in 2012. Since 2009 the average score against the Hawks at the venue is only 71 points.

6. According to the Official AFL Player Ratings, Bulldog Will Minson is the no.3 rated ruckman in the AFL, followed by Hawk Ben McEvoy at no.4.

Teams:

HAWTHORN
B Angus Litherland, Josh Gibson, Ryan Schoenmakers
HB Luke Hodge, Ben Stratton, Grant Birchall
C Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Matthew Suckling
HF Bradley Hill, Jack Gunston, Luke Breust
F Paul Puopolo, Jarryd Roughead, Jordan Lewis
Fol Ben McEvoy, Shaun Burgoyne, Liam Shiels
I/C David Hale, Jonathan Simpkin, Alex Woodward, Matt Spangher, Will Langford, Taylor Duryea, Billy Hartung (three to be omitted)
In David Hale, Matt Spangher, Taylor Duryea, Billy Hartung.
Out Jonathon Ceglar (omitted).

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B Jason Johannisen, Jordan Roughead, Mark Austin.
HB Robert Murphy, Dale Morris, Adam Cooney.
C Koby Stevens, Matthew Boyd, Jack Macrae.
HF Marcus Bontempelli, Stewart Crameri, Nathan Hrovat.
F Luke Dahlhaus, Jake Stringer, Lachie Hunter.
Fol Will Minson, Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore.
I/C Shaun Higgins, Mitch Honeychurch, Sam Darley, Liam Picken, Jack Redpath, Brett Goodes, Tom Campbell (three to be omitted)
In Shaun Higgins, Mitch Honeychurch, Sam Darley, Brett Goodes, Tom Campbell.
Out Easton Wood (omitted), Mitch Wallis (foot).

News:

Led by inspirational captain Luke Hodge, Hawthorn’s veterans are taking some of the burden off coach Alastair Clarkson.

Sam Mitchell suggested it was no coincidence that Sydney’s dominance last Saturday night at the MCG was curbed when Hodge shifted into defence during the third quarter.

Hodge was typically classy with ball in hand.

But according to Mitchell it was his words that proved even more influential in the Hawks’ 10-point win that breathed new life into the minor premiership race.

“He just gives everyone around him confidence,” he said on Monday.

“He sets everyone up and makes sure that our structure is very sound … when the ball is out of his area, he’s the best player I’ve seen.

“It’s not exciting to watch on TV – someone yelling out and telling everyone where they should be.

“But you love playing with a guy like that.”

Mitchell also pointed to Shaun Burgoyne’s mid-game shift to midfield as something that gave the Hawks’ confidence they could “arrest some momentum”.

Mitchell added that he, Hodge, Jordan Lewis, Josh Gibson and Jarryd Roughead strived to act like coaches during the whole week.

“We like to think we’re pretty heavily coached by players,” he said.

“A lot of the motivation and training standards (during the week) are all driven by players.

“That’s easier when you’ve had the same coach for 10 years.”

Clarkson is part way through his 10th season at Hawthorn, and will be chasing a third premiership come September.

“He knows what to expect of us and we know what he expects,” Mitchell said.

“Because we’ve been together for so long it has to be driven by players, if it’s the same coach yelling at you every day for 10 years it probably loses a bit of impact.”

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