Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn: the preview
Western Bulldogs meet Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium, Saturday 7:35pm (AFL, Round 5). Hawthorn have won 89 of the 173 meetings with Western Bulldogs since 1925.
The big picture
Western Bulldogs are 14–10–1 in AFL 2026, averaging 82.6 points for and 87 against.
Hawthorn are 16–7–2 in AFL 2026, averaging 98.2 points for and 82.1 against.
Form
Western Bulldogs have won two of their last five and most recently lost to Adelaide Crows 68–90.
Hawthorn have won two of their last five and most recently lost to Brisbane Lions 122–131.
Head to head
These sides have met 173 times on our records since 1925: Western Bulldogs 82, Hawthorn 89, 2 drawn.
Last time out (2026, Round 13), Western Bulldogs won 77–71 at MCG.
Biggest margin between these two: Hawthorn by 143 points in 1982 (194–51).
Players to watch
For Western Bulldogs, watch Marcus Bontempelli (26.6 disposals a game, 31 goals in 2026) and Bailey Dale (26.4 disposals a game, 2 goals in 2026).
For Hawthorn, watch Jai Newcombe (25.5 disposals a game, 8 goals in 2026) and Josh Ward (22.5 disposals a game, 6 goals in 2026).
At Marvel Stadium
Hawthorn have won 4 of 4 at Marvel Stadium.
Western Bulldogs have won 14 of their last 23 at Marvel Stadium.
What the numbers say
On the numbers this is too close to split.
Written automatically from Lineball's own match and player database. Not betting advice.
