Marvel Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 7 AFL game between Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn Hawks. The game kicks off at 4:35 pm with Western Bulldogs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn Hawks game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday April 29, 2023 at 4:35 pm
Where: Marvel Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Hawks Odds
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview
A return to the top eight beckons if the Dogs can take care of the Hawks on Saturday.
For all their struggles, Luke Beveridge’s men have come good in recent weeks, bouncing back from a close loss to Port with a convincing 49-point thumping over Fremantle out West.
It was an impressive performance for a club that has spent the last two weeks on the road, and the extra rest should do the Dogs some good as they prepare for the current wooden spoon favourites off an eight-day break.
There’s no denying this is a favourable matchup, but the Dogs must err on the side of caution against the Hawks.
Say what you will about Sam Mitchell’s coaching decisions, but Hawthorn could easily be 3-3 following two close losses to the Giants and Crows and a strong first half against Geelong three weeks ago.
Some questionable tactics late in the game cost the Hawks four points in Tassie last week, but there’s still been plenty to like through the midfield with Jai Newcombe, Connor Nash, and James Worpel all in fantastic form.
Up front, the Hawks are also set to receive a boost in the form of Mitch Lewis, complimenting a forward line that has looked dangerous in recent weeks thanks to Fergus Green’s efforts.
The Dogs have really found an extra gear on attack over the last month, but they still rank as one of the worst clubs in the competition when it comes to points and inside 50 entries.
We’ve seen Hawthorn play some spirited patches of footy on several occasions this year, so I think the current line is a touch generous.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Western Bulldogs to win at $1.20 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Aaron Naughton at 9.00.
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Hawks Teams
Bulldogs
B: T.Duryea, L.Jones, T.O’Brien
HB: B.Dale, A.Keath, E.Richards
C: O.Baker, M.Bontempelli – C, B.Williams
HF: B.Smith, J.Ugle-Hagan, C.Weightman
F: A.Jones, A.Naughton, R.Lobb
FOLL: T.English, J.Macrae, A.Treloar
I/C: J.Johannisen, C.Daniel, A.Scott, L.McNeil
EMG: B.Khamis, R.West, T.McLean, S.Darcy
IN: B.Smith
OUT: T.McLean (omitted), T.Liberatore (injured)
Hawks
B: J.Impey, S.Frost, J.Sicily – C
HB: C.Jiath, B.Hardwick, J.Weddle
C: K.Amon, J.Ward, C.Nash
HF: H.Morrison, M.Ramsden, L.Breust
F: C.Wingard, M.Lewis, D.Moore
FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe, J.Worpel
I/C: S.Mitchell, T.Brockman, W.Day, F.Greene
EMG: C.Macdonald, J.Scrimshaw, C.Mackenzie, D.Grainger-Barras
IN: J.Weddle, J.Ward, M.Ramsden, M.Lewis, W.Day
OUT: D.Grainger-Barras, C.Mackenzie, N.Long, C.Macdonald (all omitted), M.Lynch (injured), J.Scrimshaw (sub)