The Western Bulldogs are set to clash with Hawthorn in a high-stakes elimination final at the MCG. Both teams come into this match with momentum, but only one will keep their finals hopes alive. With the Bulldogs finishing 6th and the Hawks just behind in 7th, this is a match that could go either way, making it one of the most anticipated games of Week 1.
Team Form and Recent Performance
The Bulldogs have been in strong form, winning 11 of their last 15 games, including impressive victories against top-four teams like Geelong and Sydney. Despite some inconsistency early in the season, the Dogs’ defense has been one of the stingiest in the competition, conceding just 75.5 points per game.
Hawthorn, on the other hand, made a historic comeback to reach finals, winning 13 of their last 16 games after starting the season 0-5. Their ability to generate scores from turnovers and stoppages has been key to their resurgence, averaging over 101 points per game since Round 8.
Key Players to Watch
For the Bulldogs, Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar will be crucial in the midfield. Treloar has been dealing with a calf injury, but his form has been outstanding when on the field, averaging 31.7 disposals.
Hawthorn’s James Sicily, fresh off leading the Hawks in a Round 8 victory over the Bulldogs, will again be a key figure. Mabior Chol and Nick Watson are also players to watch, with both showing strong form leading into finals.
Tactics and Strategy
The Bulldogs will look to dominate defensively and control the ball in their forward half. Their ability to score from turnovers and stoppages inside 50 has been critical to their success this season.
Hawthorn’s strength lies in their ability to win ground balls and convert them into scoring opportunities. They are the top-ranked team in groundball differential, which could be crucial in disrupting the Bulldogs’ structure.
Head-to-Head Stats and Historical Matchups
Hawthorn secured a seven-point win over the Bulldogs in their only matchup this season, holding on in a thrilling finish. In that game, the Bulldogs got off to a fast start, but Hawthorn steadied to claim a memorable victory.
Prediction and Betting Tips
The Bulldogs enter this game as slight favorites, with odds at $1.65 compared to Hawthorn’s $2.30. However, given Hawthorn’s strong second half of the season, this match could be much closer than the odds suggest. The Bulldogs’ defensive strength could edge them ahead, but Hawthorn’s ability to generate scores from anywhere will keep them in the game until the final siren. The final score prediction is Bulldogs 83, Hawthorn 75.
Conclusion
This elimination final promises to be an intense battle between two in-form sides. The Bulldogs will rely on their defense and midfield dominance, while Hawthorn’s resurgence and ability to score from turnovers will be their key weapon. Both teams have a legitimate chance of advancing, but the Bulldogs might just have the edge in what should be a tightly contested match.
