2026 Gather Round

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 11 April, 7:35pm AEST 
Adelaide Oval, SA • Kaurna
Broadcast: Kayo/Fox Footy (check your local broadcast guide)

LAST MEETING

Round 13, 2025
Western Bulldogs 8.11 (59) def. by Hawthorn 12.9 (81)

The Bulldogs were outclassed by the Hawks in a Thursday night clash at Marvel Stadium. Fresh off the bye, the Dogs were unable to claw back the deficit after conceding a 24-point lead heading into the main break. 

Midfielders Matthew Kennedy and Ed Richards continued their impressive run of form in 2025, finishing with 29 and 25 disposals respectively, while also hitting the scoreboard with one goal each.

A versatile Rory Lobb was crucial for the Dogs, able to make an impact in defence before moving forward to register eight marks and kick an important goal in the third quarter.

THE LINE-UP

Check back at 6:20pm AEST Thursday night for the team!

WHAT IT MEANS

The Western Bulldogs (4-0) are the last side to remain undefeated for the first time since 1961 after they blew Essendon away early and then putting the cue in the rack with tougher challenges to come. The Bombers perhaps gave hints of how other sides can slow the Dogs down, as they tried to make uncontested possession harder to obtain, though the clash with the in-form Hawks will give the ladder leaders a better idea of where they are at.

GAME SHAPER

Sam Darcy has not had everything go his way even as the Bulldogs have made a mouthwatering start to the season as the young key forward has come in for extra attention from the opposition and booted 10 goals from the opening four matches. The 22-year-old threatened to tear the Bombers apart before Ben McKay clamped down on him after the main break, but Darcy might have a point to prove against the Hawks in his 50th match.