When and where: Sunday 5 May, 4pm AEST, Marvel Stadium (Wurundjeri)
Broadcast: Fox Footy/Kayo
Head-to-head: Played 168 (won 81, drawn twice, lost 85)
Last time we met: Round 22 2023, WB 9.10 (64) def. by Hawthorn 9.13 (67)
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What it means
The Bulldogs will be keen to make amends and square the ledger after a disappointing loss to Fremantle, but will still need to be at their best against the 17th-placed Hawks, who’s ladder positioning probably doesn’t accurately reflect their ability in games. Hawthorn surged late to give the Pies a scare in Gather Round, and comfortably accounted for North Melbourne in Round 6 after a neck-and-neck opening term. Coming off a 76-point loss to Sydney will likely see the Hawks looking to respond – which is what the Dogs have dealt with before this past month, despite handling it better in some games more than others.
Who to watch
Bailey Dale has been one of the Bulldogs’ most consistent players this past fortnight, earning a collective 14 coaches’ votes for his impact against both St Kilda and Fremantle. The 27-year-old’s run across half-back helped the Dogs surge forward on a number of occasions in both those outings, and will be keen to continue influencing games as he has been.
Kidzmania returns
Kids are set to take this Sunday’s match-day, which promises to be an afternoon of fun for the whole family as we celebrate our youngest fans. With more giveaways, more entertainment, more activities and more Bulldogs fun, there’ll be plenty on offer for the whole family. Check out what’s on around the ground in our game-day guide, or Kidzmania hub.
Dual decision for match committee
This week’s match committee will need to consider replacements for small forwards Cody Weightman and Rhylee West, who will be forced out of the team through injury and suspension. Vice-captain Tom Liberatore is a test to return from illness but isn’t exactly a like-for-like swap, so the Dogs will need to move around some magnets if he comes back into the line-up. Caleb Daniel (last week’s substitute), Ryley Sanders (36 disposals in the VFL) and Lachie McNeil are all options, as are Caleb Poulter, Oskar Baker and Anthony Scott who have already been tried in various roles across their time.
Back at home
After travelling to Perth last weekend, the Bulldogs will be buoyed by a return to Marvel Stadium on Sunday. The Dogs have won the last two meetings under the roof, with a home crowd filled with the red, white and blue faithful an added bonus as they look to get back on the winner’s list.
Three chances against the Hawks
Start your Sunday at Mission Whitten Oval to see the VFL Bulldogs take on Box Hill from 11.05am. Following this, the VFLW Bulldogs will also play Box Hill from 2.30pm at Whitten, before the AFL team does battle from 4pm at Marvel Stadium. Merchandise will also be available from the Match Day Pavilion during the VFL game, trading from gates open until the start of the third quarter. Can the Dogs complete the Hawks trifecta on Sunday?
