MATCH INFO

Round 7 v Hawthorn
Saturday 29 April
Marvel Stadium, 4.35pm AEST
Broadcast: Fox Footy, Kayo Sports
Admission: Tickets on sale here.

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2022 SUMMARY

Western Bulldogs: 8th 12-10 108.9%
Hawthorn: 13^th 8-14 89.8%

FUN FACTS

• Saturday afternoon will mark Marcus Bontempelli’s 200^th career match
• In the last four encounters at Marvel Stadium, the crowd has not dipped below 30,000 since round 16, 2012
• The two sides have met 166 times, with Hawthorn leading the win-loss ledger by four games (84 to the Dogs’ 80) and two draws
• Taylor Duryea was a two-time premiership player with the Hawks (2014, 2015) alongside Bulldogs’ assistant coach Matt Spangher (2014 premiership player)
• Tom Liberatore shares the Club lead for most career tackles against Hawthorn (69) with father Tony

LAST TIME THEY MET

Hawthorn 10.4 (64) def. by Western Bulldogs 12.15 (87)

The Western Bulldogs finished the home-and-away season with a win in Launceston last season, claiming a 23-point victory over the Hawks. The triumph was enough to catapult the Dogs into the top eight momentarily – needing Collingwood to defeat Carlton by enough of a margin to keep them in finals contention on percentage.

The Bulldogs controlled the contest for the majority of the game, despite conceding three goals during the second quarter. Finally kicking away in the last term, it was a midfield masterclass from the red, white and blue, winning +27 clearances and +25 contested possessions which led to a whopping 71 inside 50s.

TALKING POINTS

1. #Bont200

Saturday afternoon will mark captain Marcus Bontempelli’s 200^th career match.

It’s yet another achievement the 27-year-old can add to his ever-growing resume, which is pretty impressive to look at.

There’s All Australian blazers, Charles Sutton Medals, a premiership medallion and even a runner-up finish in the 2021 Brownlow Medal count.

If the skipper can keep tracking the way he is this season – averaging 26 disposals, eight tackles and nine clearances – there’s no doubts more accolades will come his way as he pushes towards becoming one of the all-time (if not already) greats of the red, white and blue.

A much-loved figure both inside and outside the walls of VU Whitten Oval, here’s to all things Bont this weekend.

2. Home sweet home

After three weeks away and two wins (Richmond at the MCG, Fremantle at Optus Stadium) on the road, the Bulldogs will return home to Marvel Stadium this weekend.

It will also be the Club’s first opportunity to celebrate reaching 50,000 members again.

As we look ahead to the next milestone – being the all-time 50,941 record achieved last year – it’s important to thank and recognise those that have gotten us there.

So to our loyal members - we could not be more grateful, and hope the team can make you proud and give you something to cheer about on Saturday.

3. Replacing Libba in the middle

The Bulldogs have been forced into at least one change against the Hawks, with Tom Liberatore ruled out through concussion.

Bailey Smith (calf) would be the natural replacement, if he is deemed fit to play this week, while Rhylee West or Robbie McComb could be recalled after building some strong performances in the VFL over the last few weeks.

Only time will tell ahead of the team announcement tonight.

The Western Bulldogs have banked another four points, running away 29-point victors over Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Trailing by three points heading into the main break, the Dogs emerged after half-time with a point to prove – slotting seven of the next nine goals to overrun the Hawks 14.10 (94) to 9.11 (65).

The contest started close, with Bailey Williams opening the Bulldogs’ scoring account before the visitors struck back with two of their own.

Goals were exchanged for the rest of the opening term, as just a single point separated the two sides at the first break.

The second term was more of an arm wrestle as the Hawks continued to press.

But the Bulldogs were able to steady late and bring the buffer back to under a goal.

After half-time was really when the hosts started to click however, holding Hawthorn to just three behinds while adding three majors of their own before running away in the last.

Captain Marcus Bontempelli celebrated his 200th career match with 20 disposals, six tackles and five marks, while Aaron Naughton finished with four goals from 15 disposals.

Caleb Daniel led the Dogs' stats sheet with 27 disposals, seven tackles and five marks.

Oskar Baker and Bailey Williams were strong on the wing, registering 20 and 24 touches respectively, while Arthur Jones enjoyed a maiden goal late.

The Bulldogs will next meet GWS in Canberra on Saturday 6 May.

WESTERN BULLDOGS      3.2     7.3     10.6   14.10 (94)
HAWTHORN                     3.3     7.6     7.9     9.11 (65)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 4, Lobb 2, Ugle-Hagan 2, Daniel, English, Johannisen, Jones, Scott, Williams
Hawthorn: Breust 3, Newcombe 2, Day, Lewis, Sicily, Worpel

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Naughton, Daniel, English, Baker, Williams
Hawthorn: Newcombe, Hardwick, Day, Sicily, Lewis

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Hawthorn: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Toby McLean (unused)
Hawthorn: Jack Scrimshaw (replaced Seamus Mitchell in the third quarter)

Crowd: 40,119 at Marvel Stadium