Qualifying Final 2: Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs
September 4th 2008 10:13
This match has been on the cards since Round 18, and both teams have known it. The remainder of the season just determined who would finish higher than the other.
The Western Bulldogs have not been travelling well over the last two months, winning only two matches out of their last seven. Despite this lacklustre statistic, they played well against Adelaide last week, and have put together some strong-quarter performances. They also demolished Essendon a fortnight ago by 46 points.
Hawthorn goes in with some good form, having won four of its past five games. Last week saw Lance Franklin kick his 100th goal in the first term, alleviating some pressure on the superstar forward.
Earlier in the season, it was the run of the Doggies that saw them take the four points away from the Hawks, and they will be looking to repeat this. They may not have the big names like Hawthorn, but they are an even team right across the 18 positions on the ground.
Hawthorn will look to its superstars up forward and in the middle of the ground to stand up and be accounted. The likes of Franklin and Roughead will be looked upon to tower over and dominate Brian Lake and Dale Morris. Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge will be required to get their hands on the ball, and deliver quality passes at every opportunity.
The 2008 season starts now. The winner gets a week to relax and prepare whilst the loser will have to face the winner of the Sydney vs North Melbourne clash here in the footy heartland state.
The Western Bulldogs have not been travelling well over the last two months, winning only two matches out of their last seven. Despite this lacklustre statistic, they played well against Adelaide last week, and have put together some strong-quarter performances. They also demolished Essendon a fortnight ago by 46 points.
Hawthorn goes in with some good form, having won four of its past five games. Last week saw Lance Franklin kick his 100th goal in the first term, alleviating some pressure on the superstar forward.
Earlier in the season, it was the run of the Doggies that saw them take the four points away from the Hawks, and they will be looking to repeat this. They may not have the big names like Hawthorn, but they are an even team right across the 18 positions on the ground.
Hawthorn will look to its superstars up forward and in the middle of the ground to stand up and be accounted. The likes of Franklin and Roughead will be looked upon to tower over and dominate Brian Lake and Dale Morris. Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge will be required to get their hands on the ball, and deliver quality passes at every opportunity.
The 2008 season starts now. The winner gets a week to relax and prepare whilst the loser will have to face the winner of the Sydney vs North Melbourne clash here in the footy heartland state.
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