Bulldogs or Hawks, who is better in 2024 and more of a premiership threat?

[Monco Matt]

I think the Hawks play a stronger brand that is far more consistent. Their running, tackling & ground coverage wears down the opposition, kind of like a strangle hold that slowly breaks every bone in your neck before killing you. The Dogs still have these up and down performances and can't be relied upon. I think they are also more likely to tap out if things get too tough.

Hawks are a bigger premiership threat and I think only GWS, Sydney & Geelong can compete with them physically. Hawks are the first team since the Dogs that can win the flag from outside the top 4. Will they? Who knows, it is still extremely hard to win 4 consecutive finals.

 

[RAPPA]

Well with the way things are looking only one will get to the semis anyway

 

[PenAndPaper]

Dogs definitely have more top tier players and are much more of a premiership threat than us this year without a doubt.

I would say that we have the more balanced team though in where our quality players play on the field.

 

[yeahmate]

Bump. Guess we're going to find out in a couple if weeks

 

[Philhawk]

Love the Dogs. They’re my pick this year if not us.

Can’t wait for this game.

 

[rei154]

This is the ultimate "anytime, anywhere" game.

This was the match up I wanted the least going into finals, but now that we have it, im bloody excited for it!
Arguably two of the best teams going at the moment in a sudden death game? Amazing!

 

[kickazz]

Struggling to think of a more hotly anticipated elimination final in recent times.

 

[kickazz]

Haven't watched heaps of either this year, but I see the main difference being Dogs having the size advantage in the midfield, and Hawks having the pace on the spread.

I think it will come down to the best performing HF / HB battle

 

[kriles76]

EF should be a ripping game.

 

[Bushdid911]

Definitely should be a good game. The week off could have an effect. Games against Carlton, Richmond and North mean Hawks will have gone a month without facing any real pressure footy.

 

[Philhawk]

Haven't watched heaps of either this year, but I see the main difference being Dogs having the size advantage in the midfield, and Hawks having the pace on the spread.

I think it will come down to the best performing HF / HB battle

I’d argue we have the best small forwards in the comp.

I’d equally say the Dogs tall forwards are the best in the comp.

Huge, huge pressure on both our key backs and the Dogs’ small backs.

Whichever group steps up the most, I think will decide the game.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

 

[WesternSydneyHawk]

So the winner of Hawthorn Vs Bulldogs will have knocked off the other in-form side in the run home to the finals.

The winner of that game will then face off against the loser of (most likely) Port vs Geelong.

If I'm a club trying to avoid a straight sets loss, Hawthorn or the Bulldogs would not be the team I'd want to face.

Assuming the Hawks or the Doggies win, it's on to the Prelim...

 

[Coolangatta]

So the winner of Hawthorn Vs Bulldogs will have knocked off the other in-form side in the run home to the finals.

The winner of that game will then face off against the loser of (most likely) Port vs Geelong.

If I'm a club trying to avoid a straight sets loss, Hawthorn or the Bulldogs would not be the team I'd want to face.

Assuming the Hawks or the Doggies win, it's on to the Prelim...

Yeah I reckon whoever wins the Dogs
/Hawks EF will win the SF and make the PF. I think Sydney will beat them though, reckon they will go another gear in finals.

 

[peetoo]

Bulldogs are better
Hawks will win #freekickkhawks

 

[sleep]

So the winner of Hawthorn Vs Bulldogs will have knocked off the other in-form side in the run home to the finals.

The winner of that game will then face off against the loser of (most likely) Port vs Geelong.

If I'm a club trying to avoid a straight sets loss, Hawthorn or the Bulldogs would not be the team I'd want to face.

Assuming the Hawks or the Doggies win, it's on to the Prelim...

The cats will brain the hawks if they meet them in a semi.

 

[Dazb86]

I guess we'll find out soon. Hawthorn worry me a fair bit. I feel like Port at home, Brisbane at home and Hawthorn are the major hurdles this year.

 

[threesixpio]

Big final - the one team I didn’t want to meet in the finals HOWEVER I spoke to a dogs supporter friend the other night who said the same thing about the Hawks!

 

[Golden_6]

It’s going to be a huge game.

I have no problem facing the Hawks straight up. If they beat us then we aren’t the best team in it this year, can say well done and move on.

 

[threesixpio]

It’s going to be a huge game.

I have no problem facing the Hawks straight up. If they beat us then we aren’t the best team in it this year, can say well done and move on.

I’ll probably get on the dog train if you beat us. Despise all the other teams pretty much

 

[Sirlemsip]

Haven't watched heaps of either this year, but I see the main difference being Dogs having the size advantage in the midfield, and Hawks having the pace on the spread.

I think it will come down to the best performing HF / HB battle

Mids are very even actually, hawks are actually taller (going off listed heights on each team's website, which are probably very outdated)

Dogs:
Bontempelli - 194cm
Treloar - 185cm
Libba - 184cm
Ed Richards - 188cm

Hawks:
Day - 191cm
Newcombe - 187cm
Worpel - 186cm
Nash - 198cm

The main differences to me are:

• Bulldogs size advantage in the forward line over the Hawks (and pretty much every other team as well)
• Hawks speed and pressure advantage in the forward line (Bulldogs don't have a great group of small defenders)

Because of the above, it is definitely going to be a match that is won and lost in the midfield, where I think the teams are very evenly matched.

 

[parsons nose]

Wondering how long it will be before Gerard wheels out his oil and water analogy.

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

Balls in the air? Bulldogs win.
Balls on the ground? Hawks win.

Winner takes all.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Can we trade Barrass and Battle in this weekend?

 

[threesixpio]

Can we trade Barrass and Battle in this weekend?

The ONE team we need them for hey?