The Western Bulldogs’ 2023 finals chances hang in the balance after they suffered a three-point loss to Hawthorn in Tasmania on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs fell to an 11-10 record after 22 rounds, falling just short of a vastly improved Hawks outfit, who claimed their second top-eight scalp in-a-row.

The Dogs controlled proceedings early in the game, but Hawthorn took control of the contest for the remainder of the afternoon, save for a late charge from the visitors.

With only one point separating the teams at the final change, the Hawks kicked the first three goals of the final stanza to extend the margin to 21 points, before the Bulldogs kicked three straight of their own to get within a goal with two minutes left.

05:30

Luke Beveridge | Post Match (RD22)

Bevo speaks to the media following the clash against Hawthorn

But Hawthorn held on for their seventh win of season, which continued the Dogs’ mixed run of fortunes in recent weeks.

The Bulldogs’ midfield was shaded, particularly after quarter time, with the Hawks winning overall clearances (34-31), contested possessions (125-112) and recording a lopsided advantage of 106 more uncontested possessions.

Jai Newcombe (40 disposals) profited the most, with the Hawks finishing with the six highest possession winners on the ground.

00:38

Libba subbed with concussion in big Dogs blow

The Bulldogs' midfield takes a massive hit with clearance beast Tom Liberatore subbed out after this incident

Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards led the way for the Dogs with 23 each, with Bontempelli recording a game-high eight tackles.

The Bulldogs had the only multiple goalkickers on the day between the two teams, with Rory Lobb and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan booting two each.

Midfield general Tom Liberatore was subbed out of the game before half time, and will miss next week’s clash with West Coast as he enters concussion protocols.

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HAWTHORN                        1.1     4.8     6.9     9.13 (67)
WESTERN BULLDOGS         4.3     6.5     6.8     9.10 (64)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Worpel, Newcombe, Moore, Lewis, Koschitzke, Grainger-Barras, Day, Breust, Amon
Western Bulldogs: Ugle-Hagan 2, Lobb 2, Williams, West, Treloar, English, Baker

BEST 
Hawthorn: Newcombe, Day, Amon, Worpel, Moore, Koschitzke
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Treloar, Richards, Lobb

INJURIES 
Hawthorn: Wingard (Achilles)
Western Bulldogs: Liberatore (concussion)

SUBSTITUTES 
Hawthorn: Bailey Macdonald (replaced Chad Wingard in first quarter)
Western Bulldogs: Oskar Baker (replaced Tom Liberatore in second quarter)

08:31

Match Highlights | RD22 v Hawthorn

Catch the highlights from our narrow loss to Hawthorn