SUMMARY
After disposing of Fremantle and St Kilda, the Bulldogs face a much greater challenge against a Hawthorn side that showed against West Coast last week it's still well and truly in premiership mode. Despite the Dogs winning their past 11 matches at Etihad Stadium, the reigning premier has been installed as favourites by the bookmakers, and for good reason.
The Hawks' renowned kicking game is well suited to the venue, while at the MCG on Sunday they sliced up the Eagles just as they did on Grand Final day last year. The Dogs' "fast footy" and manic defensive pressure will trouble Alastair Clarkson's ageing warriors, so expect a shootout.
With the opposing midfields set to go head-to-head, it might come down to which backline stands up better under the flood of supply.
After an impressive Grand Final, Ryan Shoenmakers' start to 2016 has been quiet. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, April 10, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2015, Hawthorn 19.13 (127) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) at Aurora Stadium
R19, 2014, Hawthorn 16.11 (107) d Western Bulldogs 6.9 (45) at Aurora Stadium
R17, 2013, Hawthorn 13.17 (95) d Western Bulldogs 11.10 (76) at Aurora Stadium
R16, 2012, Hawthorn 17.14 (116) d Western Bulldogs 6.8 (44) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2011, Hawthorn 16.17 (113) d Western Bulldogs 10.7 (67) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1.Jarryd Roughead and Luke Hodge starred for the Hawks in their crushing win over the Bulldogs early in 2015, but neither will play on Sunday.
2. Roughead had 28 disposals and kicked seven goals and Hodge finished with 44 touches and two goals.
3. In the opening two weeks of the season the Bulldogs have kicked 28 goals and held both opponents to only five goals in each game, winning by a combined 122 points.
4. Hawthorn has dominated the Western Bulldogs recently, winning the past seven matches, which is a club record. The Dogs' last victory was early in 2010.
5. The Bulldogs have now won their last 11 matches at Etihad Stadium – six by more than 50 points – and they’ve allowed teams to kick more than 10 goals in a game only three times.
6. Hawthorn has enjoyed playing at Etihad Stadium in recent seasons, winning 13 of their last 15 games with six victories by more than 50 points.
