The form
Hawthorn is sitting in sixth place on the ladder with one win and one draw from two games and will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Essendon.
The Western Bulldogs have started the season in exciting fashion and sit in fifth position with two wins from two games and will be out to cause an upset.
Recent history
The last time the Hawks and Dogs faced off, Hawthorn defeated the Bulldogs by 62 points at Aurora Stadium in Round 19, 2014.
Western Bulldogs will head to Tasmania this Sunday hoping to be the first team since 2012 to upset Hawthorn at their home ground in Launceston.
Tackling pressure
The Dogs have impressed early in the season and lead the competition in tackles (83.5 per game) while the Hawks sit in tenth place (59 per game).
Marcus Bontempelli and Luke Dalhaus are ranked first and second for tackles after two rounds with 20 and 17 respectively. The Hawks had less tackles than the Bombers last round (62 to 74) and will hope to improve against the Bulldogs.
Returning Hawks
James Frawley is set to miss 4-6 weeks with a shoulder injury while Josh Gibson and Sam Mitchell could return to bolster the Hawks. Jonathan O’Rourke and James Sicily made solid contributions in their debut games, while Grant Birchall will be better for his first run of 2015.
Pups packing a bite
Luke Beveridge’s side is playing a faced-paced, exciting brand of football and youngsters such as Mitch Wallis, Marcus Bontempelli and Mitch Honeychurch have impressed early on, with the latter earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his efforts last round.
The Hawks will look to exploit the Bulldogs’ inexperience and hurt them on the counter attack.
Battle of the forwards
Fans could be in for a treat on Sunday afternoon as two exciting forward lines prepare to face off. The Hawks are ranked third in goals scored (28) and will be hoping that Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston can provide marking targets up front while Luke Breust (seven goals) and Paul Puopolo (five) will also be looking to continue on their early season form.
The Bulldogs will have some firepower of their own with Tom Boyd, Ayce Cordy, Mitch Honeychurch, Jake Stringer and Stewart Crameri providing some excitement for the Dogs.
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