It’s do or die for the Western Bulldogs who travel to Tasmania in Round 23 of the 2022 AFL season to keep their finals hopes alive against Hawthorn.
The Hawks love playing at their home away from home, so expect a thrilling clash at UTAS Stadium. Before the match, be sure to check out these AFL Round 23 tips!
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs Betting Tips
UTAS Stadium, Sunday 21st August, 1.10pm (AEST)
Hawthorn
Injuries: Jarman Impey (out), Lachlan Bramble, Tyler Brockman, Connor Downie, Sam Frost, Changkuoth Jiath, Mitch Lewis, Seamus Mitchell, Josh Morris, Tom Phillips, Ned Reeves, Chad Wingard, James Worpel
Jarman Impey has joined a long injury list for the Hawks, meaning he will miss the final round.
Hawthorn has had a good if not outstanding year, given they are in the midst of a rebuild. Eight wins has the Hawks sitting 13th on the table, ahead of other developing clubs, and impressively Hawthorn has registered three wins in their last five matches as other young sides have faded away. As such, Sam Mitchell is bound to be satisfied. Next year the changing of the guard will continue, as captain Ben McEvoy has hung up the boots and the future of several veterans still remains unknown. It makes sense that decision makers are putting trust in the next generation, as young players have stood out across the park this season – Finn Maginness, Josh Ward, Connor McDonald, Jai Newcombe, Mitch Lewis and Ned Reeves all look to be long term performers. Meanwhile, the experienced heads have aided the transition by playing consistently strong football.
Western Bulldogs
Injuries: Dom Bedendo, Hayden Crozier, Jason Johannisen, Buku Khamis, Charlie Parker, Anthony Scott, Mitch Wallis
The Bulldogs don’t have too much to worry about on the injury front, so there are no excuses on Sunday!
Fans across the country will have their calculator’s out this weekend as the Bulldogs look to leapfrog Carlton for a finals berth. Keeping it simple, the Bulldogs must win and Carlton must lose. However, even if both of those outcomes occur, there is still the possibility that the Blues hold onto eighth position. As such, the Dogs will be focused on playing as well as they possibly can to record a big win down south. Given the Hawks are blooding some debutants to close out the year, there is nothing stopping the travelling side from doing just that. Coach Luke Beveridge will be hoping that his tall forward trio can find some form against an undersized Hawthorn defence, as Aaron Naughton has been out of touch and top draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is having to cover for Josh Bruce who is yet to hit his straps in 2022. If those three can fire, defenders beware!
Match Prediction
The Western Bulldogs should enter this game with more motivation, given they are fighting for a spot in the eight. On the other hand, the Hawks are just playing for pride.
The Dogs also have history on their side – they beat Hawthorn by 42 points back in June.
Both teams have won three of their last five matches, but the Bulldogs have done it against far superior opposition.
As such, while Tasmania has been a happy hunting ground for the home side, it’s hard to see them overcoming a ferocious Bulldogs outfit this week.
Western Bulldogs -16.5
$2 (3 Units)
Prop Bets
The Western Bulldogs are renowned for allowing opposition defenders plenty of cheap kicks, and Hardwick is set to benefit from that this week. As one of Hawthorn’s kick in takers, he should thrive if the away side gets on top and has hit 20 disposals four times in his last six games.
Blake Hardwick 20+ Disposals ($2.30 at Ladbrokes)
Ugle-Hagan has improved as the season has gone on and looks set to be one of the best key forwards of his generation. The young star has had three or more shots on goal in each of his last five games and if he can kick straight, should hit the scoreboard on Sunday.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan 2+ Goals ($1.80 at Ladbrokes)
