Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn: AFL Thursday preview

Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn are set to go head-to-head in a blockbuster at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

The Bulldogs sit ninth on the ladder, Hawthorn sixth, and it is a game that neither side can afford to lose if they are to be serious flag contenders.

Both sides began the season with premiership ambitions, but five losses each, has put a severe dent in those hopes.

Hawthorn have lost the last three and will be desperate to stop the rot, while the Bulldogs have lost two of the last three and also need the four points.

It means the stakes are high for both sides and it looks sure to be a tight, tense game under the lights at Marvel Stadium.

Two of the last three meetings have been close, and Thursday night should be no different.

Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn betting preview

Bulldogs wait on Darcy

Western Bulldogs have been handed a huge boost with the news that young gun Sam Darcy is closing in on a speedy return.

However, the Bulldogs are not willing to take any risks, and the game against the Hawks is likely to come a week too soon.

Adam Treloar is ready to go though after fully recovering from a calf issue, and is in line to face Hawthorn.

Treloar finished with 27 disposals in his last game before getting injured, and will be a key cog in the Bulldogs engine room on his return.

So too will Marcus Bontempelli, with the skipper 1.87 to collect 25+ disposals against the Hawks.

The two sides have already met this season, with the Bulldogs coming out on top by just 11 points.

They can be backed at 6.00 to win this latest showdown by 1-12 points.

Hawks out to stop rot

Hawthorn have had a huge wake-up call in the last few weeks, in particular against Collingwood at the weekend.

They were completely outclassed, losing by 51 points, with coach Sam Mitchell admitting they are a long way from where they need to be.

He will be hoping for a response from his players and they are also 6.00 to win the game by 1-12 points.

There were few positives to take from the defeat against Collingwood, but one was the performance of Jack Ginnivan.

He booted three goals in the loss and also collected 31 disposals.

Ginnivan can be backed at 1.36 to kick a goal at anytime against the Bulldogs, and is also 6.50 to collect 25+ disposals once again.

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Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn odds

Western Bulldogs - 1.52
Hawthorn - 2.55

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.