Sportsday Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn review (02.03.26)
Mar 2, 2026
A lively breakdown of Hawthorn's midfield worries and injury list. A look at the Bulldogs' defensive lift and attitude change. Analysis of Tim English's ruck impact and how rule tweaks help him. A preview of the tougher upcoming trip to the Gabba and what that matchup might expose.
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Hawthorn Midfield Vulnerabilities Exposed
- The Hawks' biggest weakness is their midfield, exposed when facing elite midfields like the Bulldogs.
- Gerard Healy points out experiments converting small forwards into mids (e.g., Nick Watson) are hit-or-miss and leave structural midfield gaps.
Bulldogs Attitude Adjustment Fueled Defensive Turnaround
- The Western Bulldogs improved by prioritising team defence and an 'attitude adjustment' across the group.
- Healy credits their summer focus on 18-man defence and individual interceptors like Buku for holding Hawthorn to mid-70s points.
Use Brisbane Game To Test Defensive Credibility
- Expect Brisbane to be a stiffer defensive test and use the match as a measuring stick for the Bulldogs' defence.
- Ken Hinkley warns Brisbane's smalls (Cameron, Rayner, Bailey) are a level above Hawthorn's and will expose weaknesses.