Saturday’s first AFL Round 12 match is between Hawthorn Hawks and West Coast Eagles with the game to be played at Aurora Stadium. The opening bounce is set to commence at 1:40 PM local time with home team Hawthorn Hawks currently holding favouritism. View our AFL live scores, odds and results for the game between Hawthorn Hawks and West Coast Eagles.

Round: Round 12 , June 07, 2014 , 1:40 PM
Stadium: Aurora Stadium
Weather: 14° A few morning showers.

Odds Comparison:

Hawthorn Hawks	1.16	1.18	1.19	1.18	1.16	1.18
West Coast Eagles	5.25	4.90	4.95	4.90	5.25	4.90

All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.

Preview:

The Hawks take on the West Coast Eagles on Saturday, 1.40PM at Aurora Stadium. While Hawthorn are not in their best form at the moment, they will still go into this clash as favourites against what is a struggling Eagles outfit. However, the Hawks only just managed to beat GWS last round, and are close to breaking point with multiple injuries and a sidelined coach. The Eagles are not fairing any better though, having lost their last two matches against Collingwood and North Melbourne. While the Hawks will want to hang onto their top four position, the Eagles, at 4-6, are in much worse standing at 11th and need to turn things around now before its too late.

Teams:

Hawthorn Hawks:
B Shaun Burgoyne, Ryan Schoenmakers, Taylor Duryea
HB Luke Hodge, Angus Litherland, Grant Birchall
C Isaac Smith, Brad Sewell, Bradley Hill
HF Paul Puopolo, Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli
F Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Matt Spangher
FOL Jonathon Ceglar, Jordan Lewis, Liam Shiels
I/C Kyle Cheney, Luke Lowden, Billy Hartung, Matthew Suckling
EMG Tim O’Brien, Mitch Hallahan, Will Langford
IN Cyril Rioli, Luke Lowden, Jordan Lewis, Matt Spangher
OUT Mitch Hallahan (Omitted), David Hale (Quad Cork), Will Langford (Omitted), Jonathan Simpkin (Omitted)

West Coast Eagles:
B Darren Glass, Mitchell Brown, Shannon Hurn
HB Xavier Ellis, Eric Mackenzie, Will Schofield
C Chris Masten, Matt Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF Mark Hutchings, Jack Darling, Elliot Yeo
F Jamie Bennell, Dean Cox, Mark LeCras
FOL Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C Sharrod Wellingham, Jamie Cripps, Jeremy McGovern, Matt Rosa
EMG Patrick McGinnity, Sam Butler, Josh Hill
IN Darren Glass, Mark Hutchings, Jeremy McGovern
OUT Sheppard (Buttock), Josh Kennedy (Cheek), Josh Hill (Omitted)

News:

Essendon will keep trying Jake Carlisle in attack, despite his outstanding defensive role in Saturday night’s big AFL win over Richmond.

While the Dreamtime At The ‘G match was probably more a reflection on how badly Richmond are going, it was still a significant boost for Essendon in a game they had to win.

It was also the best game so far this season from Carlisle, who has struggled as a key forward.

Carlisle was outstanding in defence last year, but coach Mark Thompson has been keen to use him at the other end of the ground.

Michael Hurley’s late withdrawal with a back injury gave Carlisle the chance to play down back again in the 50-point win over Richmond.

Thompson said they would continue to use Carlisle in attack when needed.

And he made it clear it would Essendon’s decision alone.

“We know he can play down back and if we need if down back we’ll play him there,” Thompson said.

“And if we need him forward, we’ll play him forward.

“I knew his form would come round – he’s a good player, we all know that.

“What I am not going to do is get influenced by public perception – I’m going to do what I think is right and what the coaching group thinks is right. And we know better than most.”

Thompson also laughed off speculation a few weeks ago that there were problems between him and Carlisle.

“It’s an absolute beat-up,” Thompson said.

“He comes into my office more than anyone, desperate to stay in the side. And I like him.”

Another defender who impressed against Richmond was 39-year-old Dustin Fletcher, who Thompson said was close to best afield.

Thompson would love Fletcher to keep playing next season.

“It would be good to see a 40-year-old running around playing AFL footy – give a lot of people hope,” he said.

Thompson appeared to have a slip of the tongue in a post-match interview when he seemed to say he would not be at the club next year.

He later said what he meant was that James Hird would return as senior coach after his 12-month suspension.

“I meant I wouldn’t be … senior coach, because we know Hirdy is coming back,” he said.

Asked about his future beyond this season, Thompson said: “I don’t know, to be honest – all I know is I’m coach this year and I’m doing my best.”