It’s a huge Thursday night fixture in Round 13 of the 2025 AFL season, with the Bulldogs set to host the Hawks at Marvel Stadium. The Dogs are currently ninth while the Hawks are in sixth, yet it’s the former who will start as the hot favourites in the round opener.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Bulldogs vs Hawks blockbuster clash below and if you’re keen to tail our tips, consider joining Dabble!
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Prediction & Tips: 2025 AFL Round 13
The Dogs are Dangerous
AFL Round 13 kicks off with a tantalising Thursday night clash as the Western Bulldogs host Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium. The Bulldogs are shaping up as a genuine premiership threat this season, currently boasting the league's number one offence. Despite a recent narrow loss to Geelong before their bye, a game where they still managed to kick over 100 points for the fifth time in six matches, their form has been formidable. Their potent forward line, even with absences, combined with an elite has seen them dismantle opponents, including a significant 90-point thrashing of Port Adelaide in Round 8. Returning to their home deck at Marvel, where they've won their last nine encounters, the Bulldogs will be keen to solidify their top-four aspirations and send another strong message to the competition.
Will the Hawks Respond?
In contrast, Hawthorn's recent form has been a cause for concern, culminating in a searching team meeting this week where "hard truths" were reportedly spoken. After a promising 4-0 start to the season, the Hawks have now lost three consecutive matches, the latest a hefty 51-point defeat to Collingwood. Coach Sam Mitchell conceded they were "miles off it" post-match, and reports emerged of a lengthy, player-driven discussion focusing on standards and a return to their core DNA of pressure and tackling. Having been smashed in tackle differential in their past two outings (-44 against Collingwood and -23 against Brisbane), the spotlight is firmly on whether the Hawks can muster a significant response and rediscover the "Hokball" brand that proved so effective in 2024. With their finals chances suddenly looking less secure, this clash against a top contender presents a critical juncture in their season.
Key Stats and Recent History
Statistically, this game presents an intriguing contrast. The Bulldogs, as mentioned, boast a powerful offensive unit, consistently ranking among the league leaders in inside 50s and scores per entry. Their midfield, even when not at full strength, often provides a significant advantage in clearance situations, a key indicator for generating scoring opportunities. Hawthorn's recent statistical picture has been less rosy, particularly in contested possessions and tackle efficiency, areas they've historically prided themselves on. Head-to-head in recent seasons, this matchup has favoured the Hawks who have won the past three encounters including one at Marvel Stadium.
Dogs or Hawks? Here’s our Bulldogs vs Hawks Tip
Predicting the outcome of this clash is a genuine challenge. The Bulldogs, playing at their Marvel Stadium fortress and with top-four ambitions firmly in their sights, rightly start as favourites. However, the Hawks' reported week of introspection and their known capacity to respond when questioned cannot be discounted. If Hawthorn can rediscover their manic pressure and harness the emotion from their internal discussions, they have the system and personnel to trouble the Bulldogs. While a Western Bulldogs victory is the more probable result on the back of recent form, this contest has all the makings of a passionate, closely fought battle that could genuinely swing either way, especially if the Hawks bring their promised intensity. Therefore, we like Hawthorn to cover the +16.5 point spread, making for a compelling Thursday night spectacle.
Hawthorn +19.5
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Player Prop Bet: Jack’s Back
Our Best Player Prop: Jack Ginnivan 2+ Goals
After a slow start to the season which saw him spend some time in the VFL, Jack Ginnivan has returned to form and is coming off a monster 31-disposal 3-goal game against his former side, Collingwood. Since returning to the seniors, Ginnivan has kicked a goal in six straight games and multiples in four of those. He’s the form forward for the Hawks right now and you still get better than $2 odds for him to continue his hot form on Thursday night.
Jack Ginnivan 2+ Goals
$2.30 (1 Unit)
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Same Game Multi
Laitham Vandermeer Score Anytime: He’s kicked five goals from his last three games and at least one in each of them. He remains strong value.
Jack Ginnivan Score Anytime: For the reasons mentioned in our prop bet above, we’re happy to include Ginnivan here as well. He’s kicked a goal in six straight games.
Tom Liberatore 25+ Disposals: Bont back in the side hasn’t disrupted Liberatore’s exceptional form once bit, in fact he’s had 30+ touches in three straight games and we’re just asking for 25 here.
Jarman Impey 15+ Disposals: Hasn’t been quite as good as last season but remains reliable in the 15+ disposal market. Has had 15+ in five straight matches.
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday, 5th June
Time: 7:30pm AEST
Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Weather: Perfect conditions under the Marvel roof
Odds: Western Bulldogs ($1.35) vs Hawthorn ($3.20)
Line: Western Bulldogs -19.5
Points: 173.5
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Where to Watch Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn?
You can watch all the Bulldogs vs Hawks action on either Channel 7 or Kayo Sports.
Back in our Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Tips at Dabble!
